HONG KONG, May 1: Several Hong Kong companies have joined an advertising campaign to boost confidence in the territory as it struggles to overcome a flagging economy, it was reported on Wednesday.

The two million Hong Kong dollars (256,400 US) “Bounceback Hong Kong” campaign, coordinated by public relations firm Ogilvy and Mather Greater China, was launched after a survey found that the population was concerned about Hong Kong’s future.

About 85 per cent of the 2,040 respondents said they had “no idea” what they could do to help Hong Kong climb out of its economic doldrums.

Nearly half the respondents said they were worried about Hong Kong’s future and of those 77 per cent said they spent at least one minute every day thinking about Hong Kong’s economic problems.

“By using our extensive local media channels, creative advertisements and promotional activities, we hope we can transmit our message — to convert our pessimism into power — to reignite the ‘can-do’ spirit of all Hong Kong citizens,” Joseph Wang, Ogilvy group managing director, was cited by Hong Kong Mail as saying.

Companies that have joined the campaign include Kentucky Fried Chicken, Mission Hills Golf and Country Club, Royal and SunAlliance, San Miguel and Ogilvy Group Hong Kong, while 47 media and advertising companies have joined up as sponsors.

The jobless rate soared to a record high of seven percent in the three months to March due to a slew of corporate layoffs.—AFP