HK at the Hague: Dutch Minister of Transport, Public Works & Water Management KM H Peijs greets Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip at the Hague.

Hong Kong is back - healthier, more competitive and with new vitality.

This was the message from Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip at the HK Re-launch Lunch in Amsterdam yesterday.

"Even though Hong Kong is now free from SARS, we remain vigilant against the revival of SARS and are doing all we can to protect ourselves from the threat of another outbreak," Mr Ip said.

Holland is the fourth largest investor in Hong Kong with the stock of direct investment at the end of 2001 amounting to more than US$25 billion. That is a significant stake in Hong Kong and obviously a vote of confidence in our future.

"With SARS behind us now and the pleasant autumn weather, I can assure you this is the best time to visit Hong Kong," Mr Ip said.

"So, things are looking up for Hong Kong. And nowhere is this more evident than with our enhanced co-operation with the Mainland. I have already mentioned the impact this is having on our tourism industry. But, our major initiative is the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, or CEPA.

"We have the skills, the knowledge and the resources to help companies in China compete under WTO; and to help companies from around the world who want to do business in China. Most importantly, we are well and truly back in business and looking for your business."