The SAR stands to reap substantial gains
from hosting the 2006 Asian Games

Successfully bidding for the 2006 Asian Games is quite simply an investment for Hong Kong's future, Hong Kong Sports Development Board Chairman John Hung told the business community at the Chamber's Sept. 22 luncheon.

"The eyes of Asia and the world will be firmly set on Hong Kong during the run up to the games as print and electronic media of the world rush to cover the city," he said. "During the period, international coverage will extend beyond the sporting realm, delving into Hong Kong's role as the centre of Asian IT, and highlight the glitter and glamour of one of the world's major financial and trading centres."

Referring to Hong Kong's past economic achievements over the last 30-40 years, Mr Hung said that what the territory has achieved is nothing short of a miracle, and this will be a perfect opportunity to show the world what Hong Kong is capable of accomplishing.

To illustrate his point, he said about 62 per cent of the world's population watched the Olympic Games in Sydney. All sectors of the economy there benefited from the increase in visitor arrivals and their spending, and boosted the pride of the city's population.

Likewise, when Bangkok hosted the 14th Asian Games in 1998, the country was in the grips of recession. Despite fears the turmoil would negatively impact the event, Bangkok managed to successfully host the games.

"Bangkok received rave reviews as a host city. The result was the city's image was increased both in the region and around the world and helped foster common pride to lift the country out of recession," Mr Hung said. "The country benefited so much in fact that they are now trying to bid for the 2008 Olympics."

If the SAR can win the bid to host the Asian Games then the territory also stands to gain substantial rewards.

But Mr Hung said the Asian Games Selection Committee has to question how far Hong Kong's population is behind the bid. To answer that, everyone in the territory must talk about total commitment to supporting the games, he said.

"The stylised dragon logo of Hong Kong's Asian Games bid instantly communicates the vitality and excitement of Hong Kong," he said. "And our slogan says it all [Hong Kong For Sure]. We have an excellent infrastructure, for sure. We hope to have a committed population, for sure. We hope to have a strong corporate support, for sure. And we have unbridled enthusiasm, for sure."

Now we just have to spread the word, he added.