The overall impact of SARS on Hong Kong's external trade has so far been limited because of the relatively short duration of the outbreak, a spokesman from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) said Monday.
The spokesman said TDC has sensed a pick-up in Hong Kong's business momentum since early June.
"Now we anticipate faster acceleration as business travelers return with confidence," he said, adding that overseas buyer traffic is expected to return to normal by September.
The spokesman said Santa Claus would be among the most relieved now that the World Health Organization removed Hong Kong from its list of SARS affected areas.
With the delisting, Hong Kong companies are able to ensure that their Christmas gift items reach the world's shops in time for Christmas.
(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2003)
