Quality, Speed and Creativity

32.     Everyone in Hong Kong, whatever his or her particular walk in life, must seek to excel.  Being ahead of the game helps to improve economic efficiency and increase market share.  It also assists us to overcome our higher costs, and allows us to maintain and enhance our standard of living.  We already command a leading position in the region in fields such as financial services, logistics, tourism and pop culture.  We have to keep up this good work to stay ahead of the competition.  In other areas where we enjoy competitive advantages but have not yet taken a lead, we must work harder to reach that goal.

33.     The key to success in business is either a competitive price or product differentiation.  With our cost, we have to use the latter.  This calls for market-driven, customer-oriented services and products delivered or made with quality, speed and creativity.  Such attributes are essential for both high- and low-technology industries.  Let me cite a few examples by way of illustration.  Our restaurants enjoy worldwide renown for their quality and creativity: Hong Kong cuisine is now a synonym for fine dining.  Our pop music and movies are now in demand throughout Asia, another example of success through creativity.  Our garment industry is distinguished by speed and quality.  I believe all of us, irrespective of age, occupation or academic qualifications, and all our businesses, regardless of scope or scale, can harness these attributes of quality, speed and creativity.