A huge campaign to reassure international visitors and businesses that Hong Kong is a safe place to see and invest has been launched.

Financial Secretary Antony Leung said the campaign will also encourage Hong Kong people to start spending again.

The Economic Recovery Group drew up the plan today. Ironically, it received the good news about the World Health Organisation lifting its travel advisory during its meeting.

The campaign involves an advertising blitz, community events, entertainment and overseas visits.

"We have to focus on two things - Hong Kong is a safe city and through our collective efforts we will be a cleaner and safer place. The plan we have adopted today and the activities we are going to launch [will help promote Hong Kong]," Mr Leung said.

"We want to encourage Hong Kong people to go back to normal life and normal economic activities. We would also like to tell the world that Hong Kong is a safe place and worth a visit."

Group members, which include representatives from the Hong Kong, Mainland, British, American, European and Japanese chambers of commerce, hailed the decision to lift the advisory and said they would encourage their investors to resume business in Hong Kong as soon as possible.

Invest Hong Kong's Director-General of Promotion Mike Rowse said an international advertising campaign will be set in motion next week to "get the good news out".

He said the Financial Secretary will visit the world's major financial centres to promote business in Hong Kong and reassure investors. Medical officials will also visit and hold meetings with their counterparts around the world.

Other events being organised include:

* a Liverpool Football Club exhibition match at Hong Kong Stadium;

* a reception at Government House for overseas investors;

* strengthening of Trade Development Council activities;

* a tribute to healthcare workers;

* international business conventions to be held later in the year; and,

* bringing major Mainland and international dignitaries to Hong Kong.

Mr Rowse said rock legends the Rolling Stones have also approached the Government to book some concerts to make up for the two that were cancelled due to SARS in March.

Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip said an important goal now is to encourage local spending. He said the We Love Hong Kong campaign will be extended and enhanced.

Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho said a host of community events will be organised, such as sports, arts and culture events. Street festivals will be held in Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui, along with a seafood festival in Sai Kung and a computer festival in Sham Shui Po. Street performances are also being organised for different parks and playgrounds each weekend during the summer.

Construction of the world's largest lantern is being considered for this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, along with a record-breaking drum festival involving scores of Chinese, Korean and Japanese drummers playing together.