AustCham chairman Alan Johnson (right) pays tribute to “the excellence of Hong Kong” as he re-presents a business excellence award to Don Hess of Allens Arthur Robinson

"If you've got a good product, which Hong Kong has, then people look to the future - they don't look to the past," Mr Johnson said.

He was speaking at a recent ceremony at which one of the largest Australian law firms in the region, Allens Arthur Robinson, was re-presented with the 2002 AustCham ANZ Bank Australian Business Excellence Award.

Mr Johnson said Hong Kong's handling of SARS demonstrated that its medical services are second to none in the world. "We have one of the best teams of medical people here, with total commitment beyond the call of duty. I think that typifies what Hong Kong is all about - the excellence of Hong Kong."

Mr Johnson, who is also chairman for Asia region of the accountancy firm Horwarth International, said he personally was receiving at last one e-mail a day from clients and colleagues who confirm they are coming to Hong Kong to do business. "People are coming back," he said.

Don Hess, managing partner of Allens Arthur Robinson, said Hong Kong's strengths lie in a combination of its system and its people.
         
"We've got an extremely efficient system. We've got a good legal system - which is one of the reasons we are here - and we've got people who are remarkably entrepreneurial, hardworking, resilient and adaptable."
      
"Hong Kong will re-invent itself several timers over and I believe it will continue to grow and prosper," continued Mr Hess, adding that his own business has seen no negative effect from SARS.

He believes it is misplaced to talk in terms of competition between Hong Kong and Shanghai or Singapore as leading Asian financial centres.

"I think with a China market of 1.3 billion people, there's plenty of room for two major financial centres, and probably more. So while there's no doubt that Shanghai will continue to grow and prosper - our mainland office is growing very fast - that doesn't necessarily mean the demise of Hong Kong. I don't believe that for a minute." 

The AustCham ANZ Bank Australian Business awards were established 11 years ago to recognise, reward and promote the excellence of Australian business across Greater China.

AustCham is the largest Australian chamber outside Australia, representing almost 480 Australian companies that employ over 200,000 people in Hong Kong.

Related links:
AustCham www.austcham.com.hk
Allens Arthur Robinson  www.aar.com.au