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International bio-analytical testing group Eurofins Scientific opened its first microbiology testing laboratory in Hong Kong today (March 24) to tap into the growing demand for food testing services in the Asia-Pacific region.
The newly opened and already Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme-accredited microbiology laboratory is located in Kwai Chung. The 200-square-metre facility is well equipped with the latest instruments and technology for both International Organization for Standardization and Food and Drug Administration accreditation. It aims to provide the best analytical testing solutions to the region's airline and food service catering industries, food manufacturers and food and beverage retailers.
The Managing Director of Eurofins China, Mr Mark Ralph, said, "Given Hong Kong's strategic status as a trading gateway to Mainland China and other Asian countries, and that it imports 95 per cent of its food supplies due to limited domestic production, the city represents a huge market for us to expand our food testing services in the region."
He added, "This new laboratory is another demonstration of Eurofins' commitment to expand our Asia-Pacific footprint, and support local industries by providing world-class analytical services in the region. We intend to continue to strengthen our presence in Hong Kong and the rest of Asia by rolling out the group's full capabilities and technical know-how."
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Mr Charles Ng welcomed Eurofins Scientific's microbiology laboratory in Hong Kong and said, "Hong Kong has world-class standards in testing and certification quality and credibility. It is not only strategically located at the heart of Asia but also close to the Mainland. It is the perfect place for leading international testing centres and certification operators to expand their business in the region."
About Eurofins Scientific
Founded in 1987 in France, Eurofins Scientific is a leading international group of laboratories providing a unique range of analytical testing services to the pharmaceutical, food, environmental and consumer products industries and to governments. It performs more than 100 million assays each year to establish the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products. The group has over EUR1.4 billion (HK$11.5 billion) in annual revenues and over 17 000 employees across 200 sites in 36 countries. For more information, please visit www.eurofins.com/en.aspx.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in July 2000 to attract foreign direct investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As of December 2014, InvestHK had completed over 3 440 investment projects creating more than 37 500 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$91 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157651523299751/.
Ends/Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:40
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