Cheung Kong 2000 results -- 3 (solid returns seen from tech investments)

In the statement, company chairman Li Ka-shing said the company is well positioned to earn solid returns from its investments in new technologies when they mature in the next 1-2 years.	    "New technology businesses are normally long-term investments. However, the capital required is not necessarily large, given their potential for long-term growth and profitability.	    Hong Kong's prospects are positive as its economy is definitely recovering following the strong GDP growth recorded last year while the mainland's overall economy is expected to be further boosted by the 10th Five-Year Plan and China's impending entry into WTO, Li said.	    "While impressive returns have been made overseas, the Cheung Kong group will continue to be based in Hong Kong and the mainland," Li added.	    Cheung Kong's borrowings stood at 21.1 bln hkd as of end 2000, a rise of 3.4 bln hkd over the previous year, a company statement said.	    The majority of the borrowings are medium term commitments. Of the total borrowings, 7.3 bln hkd is repayable within one year, 12.5 bln hkd is payable within 2-5 years and 1.3 bln hkd is payable within 6-10 years, the statement said.	    The group's gearing ratio stood at 11.7 pct against 10.1 pct in 1999, it said.	    About 84 pct of the group's total borrowings are in Hong Kong dollars, with the rest in U.S. dollars, the statement said. 

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