Foreign investment swell in HK despite SARS outbreak
( 2003-06-27 09:27) (Xinhua)
The continued influx of
foreign direct investment has reaffirmed Hong Kong's position as a major
business hub in the region, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region Tung Chee Hwa said Tuesday.
Hosting a reception at the Government House Tuesday night, Tung thanked about
100 new foreign and mainland companies for their support to Hong Kong, who have
either set up operations or increased their overall investment in Hong Kong
between last July and June this year.
Investors' move is also a great vote of confidence in Hong Kong, Tung noted.
This has demonstrated the city's sound economic fundamentals despite the SARS
outbreak, he added.
Tung pointed out that the Chinese mainland's rapid growth and development, in
particular in the Pearl River Delta, and the Closer Economic Partnership
Arrangement, which is timed to be signed at the end of June, will offer more
opportunities.
Director-General of Invest Hong Kong Mike Rowse noted that Hong Kong's
sophisticated infrastructure, dedicated and well-trained work force as well as
transparent and business-friendly regulatory environment will make the city an
attractive destination for foreign direct investment.
In the past 12 months, some 135 external investors have set up offices or
substantially expanded their presence in Hong Kong, no fewer than 70 of them in
the first five months of this year alone.
Even in April and May when Hong Kong was hit by SARS, it attracted a total of
24 external investors.
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