Internet Services Providers have complete freedom to start operations and at present we have more than 200 in Hong Kong. We have a CyberPort and a Science Park coming on line that will attract a whole range of IT, innovation, technology and multi-media companies to Hong Kong. That's just some of what is happening, by no means all. On the economic front, we have had a good year. GDP is expected to grow by about 10 per cent for 2000, which is double the rate we were predicting back in March last year.
Prices are stable, with slight deflation.
This has helped keep costs down, particularly rents. The unemployment rate is steadily edging down. The recent cut in interest rates is likely to boost consumer sentiment and alleviate the burdens of mortgage holders. And of course our currency has remained rock solid thanks to the linked exchange rate with the US Dollar. Over the past year we have also seen a resurgence of interest in Hong Kong as a regional base - the number of companies using Hong Kong as a regional HQ or office jumped by more than 500, or 20 per cent, to just over 3000 last year.