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Index reveals widespread pessimism after attacks

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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are anticipating a worsening business environment for the first time in 16 months in the wake of last month's terrorists attacks in the United States.

A survey by the Hong Kong Productivity Council yesterday showed a decline of 3.4 per cent in the business operating environment index.

The index, which reflects the level of confidence in that segment of the Hong Kong business community, recorded a 2 per cent growth before the incident.

The level is a far cry from the second quarter's 7.5 per cent.

'It is the first time in the past 18 months we have reported a negative score,' said Vincent Li Kai-lun, the general manager of the council.

The survey is the first by Hong Kong to assess the impact on the local SMEs sector - with 516 interviewed before the attacks and a further 502 afterwards.

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