This visit to Mexico, I hope, will lead more Hong Kong entrepreneurs to turn their eyes towards this part of the world. In the same vein, I hope that more Mexican businessmen will look to Hong Kong as the natural base from which to capitalize on new and emerging opportunities in the Mainland of China and East Asia. Now, let me tell you why I think this is the right direction for both of us. The major reason is that the global trading and investment environment is changing, and changing fast. The Asian financial crisis is a painful example of just how fast and furious the economic fortunes of not one country, but an entire region, can be turned around.
Unemployment is at record levels.
As you can see, it has been a very painful experience. It has also been a very necessary experience to regain our competitive edge. But, most importantly, it has been an enlightening experience. But in the first five months of the year, there have been some promising signs. The property market has stabilized and there has been healthy buyer interest in competitively priced new units coming onto the market.