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Hong Kong, with its liberal monetary policy and close proximity to Greater China, is the preferred location for global headquarters (HQ) according to a German technology firm.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ecobus Ltd, Mr Albrecht Buchner said today (July 10): "After comprehensive and thoroughly conducted research, we chose Hong Kong as our new global HQ."

He commented: "Compared to Tokyo, Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, Hong Kong presents our company with the most liberal and workable monetary policy, close proximity to Greater China, an internationally recognised legal system and an outstandingly efficient infrastructure."

Mr Buchner was speaking at a signing ceremony for a cooperation agreement between Ecobus and another German firm, EZI GmbH. Ecobus' products will be marketed to the world through EZI that specialises in the sales and distribution, repair and maintenance and after sales services relating to electronic peripherals and components.

"Hong Kong provides a truly international platform for companies that need to manage global operations efficiently," Mr Buchner added.

"We would also like to extend our scientific capabilities in Asia through cooperation with local and international faculties."

Also speaking at the signing ceremony, the Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Miss Helen Lindsay Peterson, said: "We are delighted that Ecobus has chosen Hong Kong as the base for its global operations after a location analysis of cities including Tokyo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok."

She said: "We are also pleased that Invest Hong Kong was able to be of service in facilitating Ecobus' choice of its global HQ location."

Miss Peterson added that the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa's vision of developing Hong Kong into an innovation and technology centre for the region was being embraced, among others, by companies like Ecobus that are setting up regional or global HQs in the SAR.

She said: "Ecobus has brought in a network of highly experienced scientists, engineers and other professionals in home intelligence, telecommunications, electronics systems networks and IT security to Hong Kong. This would certainly enrich the innovation and technological base of Hong Kong.

"Ecobus' operation as a technology holding company and global HQ of home intelligence products would also create additional business opportunities for local manufacturers to produce creative and technological products."

End/Tuesday, July 10, 2001

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