Hong Kong relaunch: Secretary for the Civil Service Joseph Wong handing a Hong Kong gift to Roy Huffington, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Hong Kong owes much of the credit for its success in overcoming SARS to the openness of its society, and the strength of its medical and research establishment, Secretary for Civil Service Joseph Wong says.

Speaking at the Salzburg Seminar's dinner yesterday, Mr Wong said the Government wants to relaunch Hong Kong as a world city of renewed vitality as the World Health Organisation has just delisted it as a SARS-affected area.

The Salzburg Seminar is a prestigious international educational centre in Europe and the dinner was co-hosted by the Government as a celebration of Hong Kong's relationship with the seminar.

Mr Wong encouraged members of the audience to visit Hong Kong, saying they would experience the efficiency of our public service as soon as they land at our beautiful airport.

Mr Wong also looked forward to developing Hong Kong's relationship with the seminar and playing a part towards its goal of international dialogue.

Noting that Hong Kong and Mainland authorities are about to conclude a Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, he said the agreement will stimulate Hong Kong's economic growth.

Officiating at the opening of a photo exhibition entitled "Hong Kong Vision" yesterday, Mr Wong said Hong Kong people's lives are back to normal.

"When you visit Hong Kong, you will be received by smiling faces and can enjoy the cosmopolitan life of Hong Kong as usual, like what you see from the photos in this exhibition," Mr Wong noted.