Financial Secretary Antony Leung has set up a strategy group to help relaunch Hong Kong once the SARS outbreak subsides.

The members have been drawn from relevant economic sectors, local and international chambers of commerce, research institutes and academia.

The Government announced the group's appointments today. Non-official members are:

*Professor Chan Ka-keung, Dean of School of Business & Management, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology;

*Chan Wing-kee, President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association;

*Selina Chow, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board;

Ivan Choy, Lecturer, Division of Social Studies, City University;

*Dr Victor Fung, Chairman of the Airport Authority;

Ryota Honjo, President of Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry;

*Victor Lo, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries;

*Norman Lyle, Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce;

*Anthony Nightingale, Chairman of the General Chamber of Commerce;

*Raymond Or, Chairman of the Association of Banks;

*James Thompson, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce;

*Dr Philip Wong, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce;

*Dr Rosanna Wong, Executive Director of the Federation of Youth Groups;

*Peter Woo, Chairman of the Trade Development Council;

*Paul Yip, Chairman of the Policy Research Institute;

Yu Pang-chun, Chairman of the Retail Management Association;

*George Yuen, Chief Executive of the Better Hong Kong Foundation; and,

*Zhou Jie, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association.

Mr Leung thanked all for pledging their time and effort to contribute to Hong Kong's recovery.

"This forum will provide an excellent platform for developing measures and activities to revitalise Hong Kong after the SARS epidemic is contained. I am delighted with the high calibre membership of this forum, which represents many of the key stakeholders in our economy," he said.

"Their wide-ranging international knowledge and experience will help us formulate a strategy for revitalising our economy after this crisis and to restore confidence in Hong Kong as a key hub for conducting business in Asia Pacific and an ideal location for regional headquarters. I look forward to working with this distinguished group and am confident that this forum will produce valuable input for Hong Kong's relaunch."

The strategy group will not only advise the Government on the necessary measures to revitalise Hong Kong, but it will also assist it in preparing and implementing a comprehensive programme of promotional activities.

Apart from Mr Leung, other officials in the strategy group are:

*Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology, Henry Tang;

*Secretary for Economic Development & Labour, Stephen Ip;

*Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury, Frederick Ma;

*Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho;

*Director of Information Services, Yvonne Choi; and,

*Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Lam Woon-kwong.

Invest Hong Kong Director-General of Investment Promotion Mike Rowse will serve as the group secretary.

The first meeting will be held on May 10.