The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government is spending over US$128 million for a global relaunch of Hong Kong as the best place to do business and a great place to visit in Asia, according to a Wednesday's government press release.

The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food Eng-kiong Yeoh told over 200 guests at a luncheon in San Francisco in the United States Wednesday that the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak earlier this year has no doubt dealt a severe blow to Hong Kong's economy. The government is now working with various sectors, including airlines, hotels, restaurants and the retail sector to implement a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the economy, he added.

Promotion events including international business conferences, exhibitions, sports and entertainment events, are in the pipeline. 　

A fabulous welcome campaign has also been launched to provide exclusive offers by airlines, hotels and shops that one cannot resist.

Indeed, the international community has given us a vote of confidence as the latest daily passenger numbers at Hong Kong International Airport has already reached 80 percent of the pre-SARS level. We are on our road to recovery," he said.

In his presentation, "Hong Kong -- Ensuring a Healthy Climate for Business," Yeoh outlined the latest situation in Hong Kong, and shared with the audience Hong Kong's experience in its battle in eliminating SARS and what Hong Kong is doing to ensure the disease is kept away.

Yeoh was in San Francisco to co-host the 33rd International Hospital Congress of the International Health Federation from Aug.2 to 5 in his capacity as the president of the Governing Council 2001-2003 Executive Committee.