Henry Tang Ying-Yen, former chief secretary of Hong Kong SAR says he believes the city has reached a turning point for the better because the formal withdrawal of the fugitive bill announced on Wednesday will leave a space for the community to have a rest. He also said he's willing to host a direct dialogue between Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the protesters.

Tang made the remarks during an exclusive one-on-one interview with CGTN reporter He Weiwei. 

Tang said the formal retraction of the fugitive ordinance is a "crucial point" that will have a positive effect on the Hong Kong community. 

"I think we have reached a turning point for the better," Tang said. 

When will the dialogue happen？

Tang supports Carrie Lam's efforts to build a dialogue platform intending to encourage and foster better communication with the public, particularly with young people. 

"The chief executive is considering how to take this dialogue forward, and what’s the best way to do to engage the community. Of course, I hope she does it sooner rather than later," he said. 

What topics should be discussed?

"I would imagine that they would want to raise topics including universal suffrage, how to pursue a constructive dialogue in many of the issues, and the weaknesses of the Hong Kong community, for example, our housing issue, other social mobility concerns from many of our younger generation," Tang stressed.

"So these are issues that will benefit from a community-wide discussion and engagement, so that every level of our society, every facet of our community will be able to have their voices heard."

Who will attend the dialogue?

"I would like to see people from all walks of life, not just the protesters, but I would hope normal citizens of the streets are welcome to attend, so that they will feel this government is an inclusive government, is an open government, and it is a government that's willing to listen to the people," said Tang.

Letting the economy recover is important

"I think it is important that we continue to develop our economy, let the economy recover from the impact, and also how to improve some of the livelihood issues that we have always been trying to tackle, "Tang said, adding "But on top of that, I think it is very important now that we find ways to let the community heal from the movement recently, as well as how to engage our younger generation better."