Asia's world city: "While the impact on Hong Kong has been severe, our resilience is never in doubt," wrote Trade Development Council Chairman Peter Woo. "We will emerge stronger than ever."

Now that Hong Kong's stringent measures against the SARS virus are succeeding, the business community is determined to maintain the momentum, the Trade Development Chairman says.

In a letter to "friends of Hong Kong around the world", Peter Woo wrote: "With new cases consistently fewer than five per day, we are close to fully satisfying the conditions set by the World Health Organisation for lifting their travel advisory."

He added: "While the impact on Hong Kong has been severe, our resilience is never in doubt. We have responded to this outbreak with transparency, professionalism and cohesion. We will emerge stronger than ever."

The letter then provides updates on the latest developments, including:

* WHO's recognition of Hong Kong's success in controlling SARS. According to WHO's head of communicable diseases, David Heymann, "We think that the outbreak has come under control in Hong Kong and that soon there will be no new cases."

* WHO's praise of the measures taken at Hong Kong's entry and exit points, including its  boundary with the Mainland. There are no WHO restrictions on Hong Kong people travelling internationally, a point which the US Centre for Disease Control highlighted in its May 14 advisory.

* WHO and leading medical experts' urging people to keep a clear perspective in assessing the SARS risk, to which they believe many have overreacted.

* WHO's restatement of its position on the safety of goods from SARS-affected regions. In a May 5 release it said that "no restrictions are recommended" - essential news for those who rely on Hong Kong's global supply chain.

*  Uninterrupted production in factories in the Pearl River Delta, the world's factory, and efficient cargo movement through Hong Kong.

*  The international business community's ongoing demonstration of  its commitment to Hong Kong and its expression of confidence in our future.

*  The return of international buyers, many of whom rely on Hong Kong trade fairs for their sourcing needs. Rescheduled trade fairs are taking place throughout the summer and early autumn months, with organisers in Asia's trade-fair capital committed to an even greater level of service.

"Major buying seasons lie ahead and missed business opportunities are waiting to be recaptured," Mr Woo wrote. "Hong Kong's travel, tourism and hospitality industries are stepping forward with unbeatable packages for business travellers, especially for buyers visiting our gift and houseware fairs in July."

For details on all SARS-related initiatives, he invited recipients to visit http://www.hktrader.net, which is updated daily.

"While life in Hong Kong is returning to normal, we are not complacent. We have committed to accelerated programmes for improved public hygiene, health monitoring and disease control, now and for the long term.

"We look forward to working with you and demonstrating Hong Kong's continued capability to serve your business. Your success is our success," he concluded.