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Following is a question by the Hon Kenneth TING and a written reply by Financial Secretary, Mr Antony Leung, in the Legislative Council today (June 11):
Question:
Various banks, public utilities as well as industrial and commercial organizations have recently taken the initiative to adopt relief measures to assist industries which have been badly hit by the atypical pneumonia epidemic. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether it will commend these organizations openly and encourage more organizations to adopt similar measures in order to help revive the economy?
Reply :
Madam President:
Many businesses, particularly those in the tourism, retail and restaurant sectors have been badly hit by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). With the lifting of the travel advisory on Hong Kong by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the USA Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, it is clear that Hong Kong is now on its way to recovery. It will however take some time for things to get back to normal.
Over the last few weeks many organizations including banks and public utility companies have followed the Government's lead to put in place relief measures to assist companies and individuals most affected by the impact of SARS. The Government appreciates and values their contribution and efforts. Their generosity and community spirit demonstrate the strength of our society.
Individual banks have offered for example refund of interest payment for various types of loans and deferral of principal payment for certain loans, benefiting both the employers and employees in the industries hard hit by SARS.
The relief measures offered by public utilities and transport operators include rebate and deferred payment of electricity and gas bills, discounted fares or even free rides for certain age groups.
The Airport Authority has offered relief and incentive packages to help the aviation sector and related business to tide over. The packages include reductions in long-term parking charge and rental for shops and catering outlets at the Passenger Terminal, as well as temporary discounts in aircraft landing charges.
Many industrial and commercial organizations have joined forces with the Trade Development Council to offer various types of relief measures to help small-and-medium sized enterprises tide over this difficult period. For example, discounted rates are on offer for courier and bulk mailing services, phone calls, videoconferencing, broadband connections and trade publications. Property developers have also answered our call for action. Some of them have reduced rentals.
The recovery of our economy is now underway. We must all work hard to sustain it. Apart from the organisations mentioned above, many other organisations and individuals have made considerable contribution to combating SARS and reviving Hong Kong's economy in the past few months. I thank them for their efforts. Only by the whole community working together can Hong Kong ensure it emerges from this trying time a stronger, cleaner and more welcoming place in which to live, do business and visit. We look forward to the community's continued support to relaunch Hong Kong.
End/Wednesday, June 11, 2003
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