BUSINESS leaders and executives are more wary about prospects in Hong Kong in the run-up to 1997, according to a survey of 150 delegates attending a prestigious economic conference today.
A Far Eastern Economic Review survey of delegates to the magazine's second annual Countdown to 1997: Roadmap to Hong Kong's Continued Prosperity, found that 84 per cent were 'very positive' or 'positive' about Hong Kong's future.
A similar survey conducted before last year's conference found 93 per cent of delegates held a 'very positive' or 'positive' outlook.
The gloomy outlook reflects recent findings of South China Morning Post surveys conducted at three-monthly intervals since 1985.
Last month, the Post found economic confidence had slid to 82 points out of a possible 100 - just one point higher than the all-time low in 1991, polled during the Gulf War. Just six months ago the Economic Confidence Index hovered at 91 points.
Delegates expressed most concern for Hong Kong's legal system, but also thought the territory could become less autonomous, feared freedom of speech would be reduced, the economy would slow and worried that there would be hikes in taxes and duties.
