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Many people in Japan are not aware that the 'SARS typhoon' which has affected Hong Kong for over 50 days is now behind us. "There is a lot of misinformation which needs to be dispelled - the further away from Tokyo, the worse the situation becomes," said Mr Alex Fong, the Principal Representative of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (HKETO/Tokyo).
Speaking at the last leg of a programmme of roadshows covering major passenger hubs between Hong Kong and Japan, Mr Fong expressed that he was extremely encouraged by the positive and supportive responses he and the Hong Kong delegations have been receiving from the people they have been meeting.
Commenting on the need for the roadshows, Mr Fong said, "There was extensive and headline coverage in the media in Japan at the time the travel advice on Hong Kong was imposed in April, but there has been very minor coverage on the lifting of the travel advice on May 23, 2003."
Over 300 officials from central and local Governments, business leaders, tourism and trade chiefs and reporters in Japan have been briefed by delegations comprising officials from HKETO/Tokyo, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Invest Hong Kong on the latest SARS situation in Hong Kong following the lifting of travel advice to Hong Kong and Guangdong by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Japanese Government on May 23.
The Hong Kong delegations that conducted the roadshows outside Tokyo were led by Mr Fong, the Principal Representative of HKETO/Tokyo and Mr Ken Kano, Regional Director (North Asia) of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
On June 13, Mr Fong met with Governor of Kagoshima Prefectural Government, Mr Tatsuro Suga. He expressed gratitude to the community of Kagoshima for their material support to Hong Kong in the fight against SARS. Mr Suga has sent letters of encouragement to members of Kagoshima-related organisations in Hong Kong.
In addition, Kagoshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Kagoshima Hong Kong Club have supported the Kagoshima people living in Hong Kong through donating protective and disinfectant items.
On the same day, Mr Fong was also received by the Vice Governor of Okinawa, Mr Hirotaka Makino and delivered a letter from Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa to the Governor of Okinawa. In the letter the Chief Executive thanked the Governor of Okinawa for the encouragement and support the Okinawa people had sent to Hong Kong during the difficult times in Hong Kong's fight against SARS.
Apart from meeting Governors and Mayors, the delegation also met with trade and tourism chiefs in these cities. Briefings were given on what Hong Kong has done to overcome the SARS challenge since its outbreak in early 2003. The key message is that 'the SARS typhoon' is now behind us, and all parties should now work together to accelerate the return to normal exchanges between Hong Kong and Japan.
There were incidents occurring around the end of May where Hong Kong people were rejected by some Japanese hoteliers and banned from participating in a number of trade fairs held in Japan. There were also instances whereby Hong Kong exhibitors were advised that they should refrain from participating in trade fairs in Japan.
Mr Kano said, "After these visits, the Japanese people in local areas understand more about current SARS situation in Hong Kong. With all the strict border control measures not to expose SARS, I sincerely hope the Japanese hoteliers do accept people from Hong Kong."
When meeting tourism and trade chiefs, the Hong Kong delegation asked for understanding and help from hoteliers and trade exhibitors to resolve illegitimate proscriptive activities against Hong Kong people.
The HKETO/Tokyo has also met with senior officials of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to get their help in removing such proscriptive activities.
The three-week campaign to cities and hubs outside Tokyo was organised jointly by the HKETO/Tokyo and the Hong Kong Tourism Board in Japan. The roadshows aimed to reassure key Japanese political and business leaders following the lifting of the travel advice to Hong Kong and Guangdong by WHO and the Japanese Government. Activities included in the campaign included briefings, media interviews, calls and meetings with government and business leaders.
"Now that the SARS typhoon is behind us," Mr Fong said, "it is time for public and private institutions in Japan to work together to restore the normal flow of people between Hong Kong and Japan."
End/Wednesday, June 18, 2003
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