Hong Kong’s commerce chief Algernon Yau Ying-wah on Tuesday urged active support from the city’s major chambers of commerce for the General Election of the Eighth Legislative Council scheduled for Dec 7.

The secretary for commerce and economic development made the call while he and other key officials met representatives from the chambers, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said in a Facebook post.

Officials called on the business groups to use their various channels to encourage their member organizations and individual members to participate in the election and cast their votes.

Expressing his appreciation for the chambers’ positive response to the government’s appeal, Yau said they are already assisting with promotional efforts to encourage members and employees to vote.

Many businesses within the industrial and commercial sectors are implementing practical measures to facilitate voting for their staff on the election day, he added.

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Among other attending the meeting were Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Maggie Wong, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bernard Chan Pak-li and leaders from Hong Kong Federation of Industries, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, and Hong Kong Importers' and Exporters' Association.

On Monday, the city's election authorities confirmed the eligibility of all 161 candidates, with total 39 election forums to be held in the lead-up to the election.