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A Booming Year Comes to an End for Hong Kong and the Chamber

2004 year has turned out to be a very good year for Hong Kong, statistically and feelings wise.  After the devastating impact of SARS for several months in 2003, it was a relief that the disease did not return, but that economic prosperity did return. 

Similarly, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce had a very good 2004.  Our projected surplus for this year is at a record high, despite that we ran more programs than ever, participated in more policy debates than ever, and helped more members than ever in doing business.  Let me highlight a few of the things that we did this year for you and for Hong Kong:

• We participated in an extremely constructive way in the all-important discussion on the political future of Hong Kong.  Through Op-Eds, public statements, and through our input to the constitutional development consultation -- which can be viewed on our Web site (www.chamber.org.hk) -- the Chamber contributed to the discussion by being a voice of progressive thinking and reason.  As a result, we believe that this process is on track, with the community focusing on the things we believe important: stability and economic prosperity, political parties, think tanks, tax base, public education, political participation, etc.

• We are making our views known to the government on racial discrimination legislation, with cautious advice on making sure that the cost of doing business does not rise while fighting against discrimination, and that the difficult situations the SMEs could find them in are taken care of through very careful wording of the legislation.

• We are on the forefront once again of alerting the government about the urgency of the air pollution problem in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta. This problem is reaching critical condition and harms Hong Kong's reputation as Asia's World City.  Through seminars and through discussions with the government, including in the Policy Address submission we gave the SAR Chief Executive, we highlighted the urgent need to do something about Hong Kong's air pollution.

• We worked hard with both the SAR and Central governments on the economic positioning of Hong Kong vis a vis China's rapid economic development.  Through monitoring of CEPA's first year of implementation, to expanding CEPA's contents, to preaching the worth of CEPA to foreign investors overseas, to supporting China's "Going Out" policy both inside and outside China, to working with Pearl River Delta cities on PRD integration and Pan-PRD expansion, to trying to identify new Beijing policies which can enhance Hong Kong's value, the Chamber has helped Hong Kong's economic positioning, creating jobs and confidence here.

• Finally, through programs, networks, trips, and visitors, the Chamber has helped our members do business all year round.  We hope that we have been helpful to your business.  I can tell you that you have been helpful to the Chamber with your support.  We thank you for that, and we hope that you remain our member for many years by renewing your membership.   Please have a good and safe Holiday Season!!

Eden Woon
CEO
HKGCC