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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Canada) (HKETO) today (June 23, Toronto time) warmly welcomed Hong Kong's removal from the WHO list of SARS-affected areas.
The Director of HKETO, Mrs Rosanna Ure, said: "It is the best international recognition of the comprehensive and vigorous measures that have been in place in Hong Kong to contain the virus. Hong Kong is confident that it has the capability and readiness to deal with any future outbreak of infectious diseases."
"Notwithstanding the removal of Hong Kong from the list, Hong Kong will not let down its guard but will continue to maintain the highest degree of vigilance at all immigration control points, at our hospitals and in the community to prevent the recurrence of the disease."
Mrs Ure said this achievement was the result of the selfless devotion of the medical and healthcare professionals and the tremendous support and cooperation of all the citizens of Hong Kong.
Prior to WHO taking Hong Kong off the list of SARS-affected areas, the international health organization already lifted its travel advisory on Hong Kong on May 23. This was followed by the downgrading of the travel advisory by CDC in early June. With these clear signs that SARS is very much under control, visitors and businessmen are making arrangements to come back to the city again.
To ride on this series of positive developments, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has launched a high profile "Relaunch Hong Kong" campaign worldwide.
In parallel, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Tourism Board in Canada have embarked on a series of major promotional activities in Canada to rebuild Canadians' confidence in Hong Kong.
Among the first is the Hong Kong Film Festival entitled "Gems from Asia's Hollywood - A Retrospect of John Woo" to be held later this month and July in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. In addition, there will be a business mission from Canada to Hong Kong to attend the July Mega Shows - "Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair", "Hong Kong Houseware Fair" and "Hong Kong Licensing Show Conference".
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and supported by the HKETO, HKTB, HKCBA and Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters, the latter has received very good response from more than 38 Canadian companies who have been eagerly waiting for the opportunity to connect with close to 5,000 exhibitors from around the world who are showcasing their latest products in the Hong Kong Mega Shows.
The tourism sector in Hong Kong has been hard hit by the SARS epidemic. With the lifting of the travel advisories by WHO and CDC, Canadian visitors are assured that Hong Kong is a safe place to travel to. A series of activities, such as the World Tourism Organisation's Boao Forum, a Strato-Fantasia laser and musical show, and a East meets West Soho Carnival, will be launched in the coming few months to welcome tourists back to Hong Kong.
For additional information about the business mission to Hong Kong, please visit: http://www.hkgiftspremiumfair.com/fairpreview2/os/one.htm
End/Tuesday, June 24, 2003
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