HK to shed shameful reputation

Stopping the trade: Products from elephant ivory are displayed on a shelf inside a carving and jewellery factory in Hong Kong. — Reuters

ENVIRONMENTALISTS and animal rights advocates can claim victory in the long battle to persuade the government to ban the trade of ivory, which has led to the killing of large numbers of African elephants every year.

Chief executive Leung Chun-ying said in his policy address at the Legislative Council on Wednesday that the government would legislate against such trade, which has tarnished Hong Kong’s reputation internationally.