American Businesses Satisfied with Hong Kong Business EnvironmentHong Kong's business environment is currently very satisfactory and will see swift improvements in 2001, a new poll by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong reported.The poll was based on the results of 393 responses by member companies of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. 84% of those polled replied "good" or "satisfactory" when asked about Hong Kong's business environment this year. 81% said that they would continue to keep Hong Kong as its Asia-Pacific headquarters for the next three years. 53% plan to expand their operations over the next three years and 47% plan to increase hiring. The poll shows that more than 98% were satisfied with Hong Kong's geographical position, tax system, communications network, freedom and infrastructure facilities. Major improvements in Hong Kong's business environment could be made in the quality of environment, trade costs and human resource expenses. The poll also revealed that Shanghai is the number one choice for new investors. As China continues to open up and join the WTO attract investors, 97% of those polled said that business development in Shanghai over the next five years is "ideal" or "extremely ideal." |
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