Speaking on a local radio program, Chow said although the World Health Organization and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have lifted their Hong Kong travel advisories, it will take time to rebuild foreign visitors' confidence.

As Hong Kong is still on the list of infected areas, the most important job now is to control the spread of SARS, she said.

Chow stressed that Hong Kong still has plenty of attractions for foreign visitors, despite the SARS outbreak.

Apart from being a shopping paradise, Hong Kong's cultural and historical spots and green tours are major drawing cards, she added.

(Xinhua News Agency June 8, 2003)