INTERACTION WITH HONG KONG, ASIAN AND GLOBAL ECONOMIES MTR directly employs about 6,800 people and indirectly supports the employment of many more in Hong Kong, the region and globally through the hiring of contractors for projects (ranging from rail infrastructure construction to station cleaning), the purchase of supplies and energy and our involvement in joint property development ventures. Beyond this, MTR's services, namely the efficient movement of people and the provision of residential, retail and office space, play an important role in the Hong Kong economy. In addition, the Octopus Smartcard pioneered and majority owned by MTR, provides electronic payment of fares for transport and other services in Hong Kong. The service allows more efficient transactions and reduces the need for cash handling.	Economic Introduction Financial Performance Corporate Governance Fares Interaction With Hong Kong, Asianand Global Economies Role in Promoting Hong Kong as an International Financial Centre Measures of MTR's Economic Contribution