The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government is set to
revive Hong Kong's economy in three stages as atypical pneumonia
continues to subside here, said Financial Secretary Antony Leung on
Monday.
Speaking at a special financial affairs panel meeting at the
Legislative Council here to discuss measures to revive Hong Kong's
economy, Leung said the three stages will include dealing with the
relenting medical crisis brought about by severe acute respiratory
syndrome (SARS), rebuilding confidence of citizens, tourists and
businessmen in Hong Kong and the ultimate revival of the
economy.
Leung also invited the public and business community to express
their views in the coming two weeks on the ways and means of
reviving the economy, stressing that while the government can
provide the funding and the superstructure to this end, public
support is essential if any result is to be achieved.
He
said the government has already set up a high-level committee to
coordinate efforts of various government policy bureaus, while
another strategic committee has been set up under Invest Hong Kong,
a quasi-public body here to promote investment, to coordinate
efforts of both the policy bureaus and the private sector,
including the various chambers of commerce in Hong Kong.
In
particular, the Economic Development and Labor Bureau will be
responsible for promoting local consumer spending and tourism;
Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau for stimulating the export
sector and the convention and exhibition business; Financial
Services and the Treasury Bureau for liaisoning with financial
institutions and the Home Affairs Bureau for local cultural
activities and sports events.
Leung stressed that although the number of SARS cases has been
falling substantially to the single digit on a daily basis, the
government will continue to fight the SARS battle and has earmarked
one billion Hong Kong dollars (US$128 million) for holding
large-scale activities to promote Hong Kong in various ways.
Meanwhile, speaking on the same occasion, Yvonne Choi, director of
information services of the government, said the government will
continue to be sensible and transparent in dealing with crisis and
its efforts and achievements have already been well-recognized by
the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control of
the United States.
She stressed that Hong Kong will continue to be one of the safest
places to travel to and live.
(Xinhua New Agency May 12, 2003)