*********************************************************

Wang Jia Sha, one of Shanghai's most famous restaurant chains, has recently opened its second Hong Kong outlet in Aberdeen.

Invest Hong Kong has provided direct practical assistance to Wang Jia Sha, and facilitated the implementation of this investment project. The acting Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Ophelia Tsang, paid a courtesy visit to the new restaurant today (August 27).

Wang Jia Sha opened its first restaurant in Hong Kong in December 2002 and it became an instant success. Representing an investment of over HK$6 million, the new restaurant employs 70 local staff.

"We are delighted to bring the best Shanghainese dim sum to Hong Kong," said the Managing Director of Wang Jia Sha, Mr Chan Hoi Po.

"Hong Kong's cosmopolitan lifestyle, skilled labour force and transparent legal system make it an ideal place for Wang Jia Sha's expansion. We therefore plan to open another eight new restaurants in Hong Kong.

"Our success in Hong Kong has also allowed us to build a solid foundation for our future expansion to international markets," added Mr Chan.

Ms Tsang welcomed Wang Jia Sha's expansion in Hong Kong. "This is a clear indication that the impact of SARS on the hospitality industry is diminishing and business is back to normal," she said.

"Wang Jia Sha's expansion is an excellent example of a successful investment of Mainland company in Hong Kong."

Ms Tsang continued: "This investment also demonstrates Hong Kong's position as the region's gourmet paradise. With over 7,000 restaurants, virtually every international cuisine can be found in the city.

"Hong Kong customers are constantly looking for new and innovative dining experiences. We also see an increasing demand for regional Chinese cuisine from both local residents and international tourists."

The restaurant chain has its roots in Old Shanghai's Wang Jia Ku district, where the first outlet was established in 1945. There are currently six Wang Jia Sha Restaurants in Shanghai.

Wang Jia Sha's dishes are famous for integrating different varieties of Chinese cooking styles into one, using Shanghai-style Dim Sum as the base, but adding local cuisine from areas south of the Yangtze River.

Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department dedicated to attracting and retaining foreign direct investment in Hong Kong. It provides free information, advice and support services, helping foreign and Mainland investors to gain full advantage of the city's ever-expanding business potential.

End/Wednesday, August 27, 2003

NNNN