Financial Secretary Antony Leung Kam-chung yesterday said domestic consumption and hotel occupancy were on the rise, fuelled by government measures to revive the economy.

Speaking after the Economic Relaunch Strategy Group's meeting, Mr Leung - who chairs the group - said the panel would take steps to rebuild the confidence of Hong Kong people by containing the spread of Sars, send the message that Hong Kong is a safe destination, and boost local consumption and attract overseas business, investors and tourists.

To promote Hong Kong's image, Invest Hong Kong has signed an agreement with Forbes magazine to hold business forums in Hong Kong and the US. For the first time, Forbes is to hold in Hong Kong its 'Best under a Billion' awards dinner for Forbes Global's 200 best small companies, to which it will invite 300 overseas business leaders. Forbes will also hold the Forbes Global CEO Conference in spring 2004 in Hong Kong. The last time Forbes held the forum here was in 2002.