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

    Hong Kong has once again been chosen by a foreign investor as the first overseas location to introduce an innovative product. Wing Co., Ltd, Japan's leading oxygen bar chain, announced today (March 3) that the company has selected Hong Kong for its regional headquarters.

    The company also officially celebrated the grand opening of its first outlet - Wing Oxy Bar - in Central, Hong Kong. Wing Oxy Bar will offer a wide variety of health-related services and products including aromatherapy oxygen bar, oxygen capsule and drinks.

    A representative for Wing Oxy Bar, Mr Seigo Sano, said, "In Japan, oxygen bars have become very popular places for people to relax by breathing refreshing oxygen and enjoying health drinks. We realise that consumers in Hong Kong, like most Japanese, are also very health conscious and receptive to new concepts. The consumer market in Hong Kong offers great potential for our business."

    "Hong Kong is known as the Asian hub of styles and trends, acting as the window for consumers in the region to learn about the latest lifestyle. We will strategically use our presence here to enhance our brand awareness and to set the stage for our future expansion into new markets in the region."

    According to Mr Sano, Wing Oxy Bar plans to expand rapidly in Hong Kong and then on to Macau. It expects to open six more outlets directly managed by the company, as well as establishing franchise operations in Hong Kong in the coming three years. Working closely with the local business community, Wing Oxy Bar also aims to introduce the oxygen bar system to 150 shops in various service sectors.

    Invest Hong Kong has assisted the company in its investment process. At a courtesy visit to the new Wing Oxy Bar in Central, the Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr John Rutherford, welcomed the company's decision to choose Hong Kong as the launch pad for its overseas business.

    Mr Rutherford said, "Wing Oxy Bar introduces a brand new concept and experience to our local consumers. It also brings in new opportunities for the Hong Kong business community to operate franchise operations, or to offer an oxygen bar as a value-added service to enrich their existing services. Wing Oxy Bar's commitment to Hong Kong represents another endorsement of our city's many advantages as a business hub, offering both business-to-business and business-to-consumer opportunities."

    He wished Wing Oxy Bar every success with their expansion in Hong Kong and future expansion into other Asian markets.

    Currently, the company has seven direct management outlets and 18 franchise operations in Japan. The oxygen bar system has also been introduced to more than 200 shops including fitness clubs, massage parlours, cafes and beauty centres.

    The oxygen bar is a high technology system which generates concentrated oxygen. Aroma-mixed oxygen can be inhaled through a colourful tube to promote skin health and beauty. The system is also designed to provide rejuvenating, refreshing and relaxing treatments for customers. For more information, please visit the website at www.wingoxybar.com.hk.

    Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with encouraging and facilitating foreign investment into the city by providing all the support needed to establish a business presence here.  For more information, please visit the website at www.investhk.gov.hk.

Ends/Thursday, March 3, 2005

NNNN