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They said it ... 'So far, so good' continues to be the view of the Hong Kong Transition Task Force ... there is no evidence of explicit Chinese interference in Hong Kong affairs ... we see no clear threat to Hong Kong's autonomy ... political protestors and demonstrators continue to carry out their activities without constraint ... the Hong Kong media continues to operate freely ... the Hong Kong judiciary continues to operate independently and without taint of political influence. -Excerpts from third quarterly report of the Speaker's Task Force on the Hong Kong Transition, US Congress, June 6, 1998 Hong Kong is the world's freest economy. -Heritage Foundation, Index of Economic Freedom 1998 Hong Kong is the second most competitive economy in the world. -World Economic Forum report, June 2, 1998 I have lived here long enough to know that Hong Kong will always spring surprises on you. But my time here taught me one certainty - that you underestimate the talent and resilience of Hong Kong people at your peril. Hong Kong people have always risen to a challenge. And I believe that they will continue to build one of the great cities of the world. -HSBC Holdings chairman Sir William Purves, reflecting on his more than 40 years in Hong Kong, The Asia Society, May 26, 1998 Hong Kong continues to be a most attractive place for Europe's business community as it remains a haven of stability in a region in turmoil and plays an invaluable role as a regional hub and a bridge to the Mainland. -Etienne Reuter, Head of Office, European Commission in Hong Kong, South China Morning Post, May 9, 1998 Hong Kong's banking system has the best overall quality in Asia, while Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan are the least risky places in Asia to do business. -Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) 1998 report, April 1998 With massive reserves, no public debt, a strong legal system, a strong external position, rigorously enforced anti-corruption regime, and a budget in surplus, Hong Kong is better prepared than most regional economies to weather the current economic uncertainties. -United States Hong Kong Policy Act Report, April 1, 1998 Some 96% of respondents to a survey had a 'very favourable' or 'favourable' view of Hong Kong's business environment in the next five years, despite the regional turmoil. -AmCham annual business confidence survey More than 80% of German companies in Hong Kong have not noticed any significant change in the investment climate since the Handover. Some say the situation has improved and over a third plan to increase their activities in the Special Administrative Region over the next five years. -Survey on German Business in the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong and China 1997/98, March 1998 Hong Kong retains a free and dynamic press. Political parties remain active, and continue to play an essential role in leading and informing popular debate ... The rule of law, essential to Hong Kong's continued prosperity and stability, remains strong and durable. -Excerpts from the 'Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong July-December 1997', released by British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, January 1998 Hong Kong people's average income of HK$187,000 (US$24,000) in 1996 ranked 13th in the world. Spending power was ranked fourth behind the US, Singapore and Switzerland. -World Bank Report 1998 Hong Kong [and Singapore] are the least corrupt territories in the region. -1997 Corruption Perception Index, compiled by Transparency International
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