Europeans impressed with maturity of Hong Kong people

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Frederick Ma, said today (July 19) Europeans were very impressed with the way Hong Kong people had handled the recent street demonstrations.

Speaking on his return to Hong Kong after a week-long promotion in three European cities, Mr Ma said they appreciated the quality of Hong Kong people to be able to demonstrate in a very orderly manner.

"They feel that Hong Kong has the freedom of speech and freedom of demonstration," he said.

"My conclusion is that what is happening in Hong Kong now does not affect their desire to invest here. [And] they continue to have faith in our ability to solve the budget deficit problem."

Mr Ma said most of the people he met promised to visit Hong Kong soon.

During his five days in Europe, Mr Ma visited London, Frankfurt and Zurich, meeting with central bankers, business leaders, financial and investment executives and government officials.

End/Saturday, July 19, 2003