"The repercussion of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is expected to linger on for a while, and exports will likely pick up more strongly only towards the last quarter." This was the forecast made by Hong Kong Trade Development Council's Chief Economist Edward Leung, who expects Hong Kong to post 3.3 percent growth in exports this year, down from an earlier forecast of 4 percent. Leung's forecast was partly based on a survey conducted in mid-May, where 314 exporters and manufacturers were interviewed on SARS' impact on their respective businesses. Some of the respondents were electronics exporters and manufacturers. The survey revealed that SARS kept many buyers staying away from Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region. Up to 84 percent of respon-. dents said they knew of potential buyers who called off their visits to Hong Kong because of the SARS outbreak. The disease also made Hong Kong businessmen unwelcome in overseas markets. Electronics companies fared slightly better because they were able to take part in two major exhibitions - the CES Show in Las Vegas and CeBIT Fair in Hanover - that were held before SARS hit Hong Kong.
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