A full-page advertisement published in all of Hong Kong’s major newspapers(zoom-in)

In a joint show of support, twenty-five international chambers of commerce and business associations based in Hong Kong sent a combined message of confidence in Hong Kong's core strengths to the global business community.

A full-page advertisement published in all of Hong Kong's major newspapers on 19 April said:

"For well over a century, the international business community has maintained its confidence in Hong Kong, very often during turbulent and challenging times. And during these difficult days we want the people of Hong Kong to know that we are as deeply committed to Hong Kong and confident about the future as we have ever been."

The advertisement also contained a message of thanks to Hong Kong's frontline medical staff. The message was a joint effort to support "Operation Unite", an action-oriented campaign to draw the Hong Kong community together to fight against the challenges posed by Sars.

Along with their efforts through the Operation Unite network, many of the Chambers are working on individual programmes designed to provide information and guidance to their members and nationals.

Jim Thompson, Chairman, American Chamber of Commerce
"Members of The American Chamber of Commerce are totally committed to Hong Kong and will continue to look on this city as their best option for investment in Asia. The completely transparent handling of the challenge presented by Sars plus the high level of medical professionalism displayed actually enhances Hong Kong's reputation as a city we can trust to deal with unexpected challenges.

Our Chamber will make special efforts to inform our own companies and our business associates in the United States that Hong Kong is coming through its latest challenge with a new sense of unity and that, combined with the strong freedoms and values available here, can only serve as added incentive for investors as we continue to participate in the region's growth from a base in Hong Kong."

Christopher Hammerbeck, Executive Director, British Chamber of Commerce
"International companies have played a key role in the development of Hong Kong as a world class city, indeed today they provide employment for 49 per cent of the working population and have remained engaged through even the most difficult times. The international business community is therefore even more committed as Hong Kong has to face up to one of the most serious challenges of its recent history and we see that there will be brighter times ahead for us all."

Allan Matheson, Executive Director, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
"The Canadian community in Hong Kong recognizes that Hong Kong has the spirit, tenacity and ingenuity to overcome Sars and to emerge as strong as ever. Hong Kong is not a stranger to challenges. This unique community has the ability to not only address challenges effectively, but to use them to unite the community and create an even stronger environment."

Alan Johnson, Chairman, Australian Chamber of Commerce
"Australian business has enjoyed an active presence in Hong Kong for well over a century. During these years, Hong Kong has experienced and overcome many hurdles.  Sars is now a global phenomenon and is yet another hurdle for Hong Kong to conquer.  Hong Kong has one of the most resilient and adaptable work forces in the world and we have every faith that it will maintain its position as Asia's leading financial centre and world city."

A Hong Kong-based group has also responded to local and international demands by setting up an organization designed to provide timely and accurate information on Sars. Fearbusters, an ad hoc group of Hong Kong residents, of Chinese and overseas nationals and individuals from various community organisations, pulls together data on local and international Sars cases and links people to authoritative sources of information.

In a separate message of support, the US State & Ports Association, Greater China (USSPA) added its thanks to Hong Kong's healthcare workers and praised the "spirit" of Hong Kong. 

Vision 2047, a group of business executives with large and long-standing interest in Hong Kong said that Hong Kong’s huge strengths as a regional business hub, and its hard-earned reputation for resilience and flexibility make Hong Kong as important to international business today as it was before Sars had ever been heard of. 

Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra on 23 April, the European Commissioner for External Affairs, Chris Patten predicted that Hong Kong would quickly get through the Sars scare and would regain its confidence. The upside of Sars, Mr Patten said, had been China's willingness to cooperate with the international community. "This represents a real sea change," said Mr Patten.

Related Links:
American Chamber of Commerce www.amcham.org.hk
British Chamber of Commerce  www.britcham.com
Canadian Chamber of Commerce www.cancham.org
Australian Chamber of Commerce http://www.austcham.com.hk/
Fearbusters www.civic-exchange.org
Vision 2047 www.vision2047.org.hk/ 
US State & Ports Association, Greater China (USSPA) www.usspahk.org
Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce www.chamber.org.hk