British Companies Satisfied With Business Environment in HKThe latest survey by the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong showed that 93 percent of its members were satisfied with the business environment in Hong Kong.The overall results are consistent with previous surveys over the last two years where around 90 percent of those polled have a positive view of the business environment, according to a news release by the chamber, which employs over 250,000 Hong Kong citizens and is the major European investor in Hong Kong. However, the survey also showed that only 40 percent of the British companies are optimistic about this year's business outlook, and members expect a fairly quick return to profitability with 55 percent positive about 2002. Within the next three years, 70 percent of members expect to make an investment, or further initial investments, in China's mainland, according to the survey. This compares with 74 percent in 2000. Most members consider the accession of China to the WTO will be positive for their companies, the survey said. The poll was completed before the tragic September 11 attacks in the United States. More than 90 percent of members are satisfied about Hong Kong's geographical situation, communications networks and taxation system. A further 90 percent are satisfied about its public security and safety, the state of information technology, the unrestricted flow of information, Hong Kong's infrastructure, legal and regulatory systems, its stable government and political system and the low political risk incurred in operating a business in Hong Kong. Another 80 to 90 percent are either very or somewhat satisfied about the efficiency of doing business in Hong Kong, the dollar peg, low inflation, the free port status and freedom of press. |
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