The spectacular "Symphony of lights" laser and firework display is the first of its kind in the world

The 'Symphony of Lights' is a spectacular 18-minute show, which sees fireworks and lasers shooting from the top of some of Hong Kong's largest buildings, is the first of its kind in the world.

Hong Kong's economic outlook looks equally dazzling. Hong Kong's Chinese University recently released its bi-annual business confidence survey, which showed the highest ever level of confidence in the next six months. The international business community was similarly bullish, with 95 per cent of the American Chamber of Commerce's members saying they had confidence in Hong Kong's future.

These findings were backed up by a flurry of positive numbers. Foreign investment in Hong Kong was at an all time high in 2003, despite the impact of Sars. 142 overseas companies set up, or expanded operations in Hong Kong, up more than 20 per cent on the previous year. The number of regional headquarters in Hong Kong reached an all-time high at 966. Another 2,241 companies operated regional offices here, up 3.2 per cent on the previous year. 

Hong Kong also ranked second in Asia, behind the Chinese mainland, in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Overseas investors pumped US$15 billion into Hong Kong in the first nine months of 2003, compared with US$12.8 for the full year 2002.

Record tourist numbers boost retail, hotels and restaurants

The domestic economy also received a boost from the record number of tourists coming to Hong Kong. In December, a record 1.8 million visitors came to Hong Kong, up more than 7 per cent year on year.
 
The increased visitor figures have boosted consumer confidence, which soared to its second-highest levels ever, according to MasterCard's "MasterIndex".

Retail sales rose in November to their highest levels in 10 months, up 5.2 per cent from a year ago to HK$14.6 billion (US$1.8 billion). More than two million tones of cargo were moved through Hong Kong International Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl) in 2003 - a world record.

Hong Kong was also voted the world's freest economy for the tenth consecutive year in the "2004 Index of Economic Freedom" released by the Heritage Foundation.