Public confidence in Hong Kong's future has shown marked improvement, according to findings of the latest public opinion poll the Home Affairs Bureau conducted August 4-8, released today.

The survey found that the percentage of respondents who expected Hong Kong's situation would improve in the coming 12 months has risen to 26% (up from 18% in May), while the percentage that thought otherwise has decreased considerably by 16 percentage points (from 36% to 20%).

It also found that 46% of the respondents were confident that Hong Kong would continue to be prosperous and stable, up from the corresponding figure of 42% in the previous survey.

Economic improvements buoy spirits

The Home Affairs Bureau is pleased to note that the community is becoming more positive about the future of Hong Kong. This could mainly be attributable to confidence in improvement in Hong Kong's economic situation.

With enhanced co-operation with the Pearl River Delta, the signing of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, the increasing number of Mainland residents visiting Hong Kong in their personal capacities as well as the gradual return of long-haul international travellers, Hong Kong's economy is on the verge of recovery.

Majority pleased with own present condition

More than half (59%) of respondents were satisfied with their own present condition while 21% of the respondents were satisfied with Hong Kong's present situation. 

The corresponding figures in the May survey were 60% and 22%.

It also found that 28% respondents were satisfied with the Government's overall performance, though 59% took the opposite view.

People still fear losing their jobs

According to the survey findings, "labour-related problems" has overtaken "economy-related problems" to become the issue of most concern, with 49% of respondents citing them. The figure was up from 42% in the previous survey.

Economy-related problems, ranked second, were mentioned by 41% per cent of respondents. The corresponding figure in May was 46%.

Governance of Hong Kong ranked third, though the concern was mentioned by only 14%, compared with 22% in the previous survey.

The survey was the 105th in the series. A total of 1,473 respondents, aged between 15 and 64, were successfully interviewed over the phone. They were chosen at random through the residential telephone directory.