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Another technology firm based in Silicon Valley has just made Hong Kong its Asia Pacific headquarters - an investment decision reflecting the importance of Hong Kong as a hub for regional business and a cornerstone of expansion plans.

SiPix, a US digital imaging appliance manufacturer, designer and provider, announced the opening of its regional headquarters here this (April 11) afternoon.

The Chief Operating Officer of SiPix Group Ltd, Mr Dan Ting, said: "We are delighted to open our Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has world-class infrastructure, and excellent banking and financial facilities. It also upholds the rule of law and provides a level playing field."

"We picked Hong Kong also because of its strategic location in the heart of Asia. Hong Kong is an excellent base for international corporations like SiPix to build up a business and fan out to neighbouring Asian economies," Mr Ting said.

"Our Asia Pacific headquarters here also oversees the production facilities in Mainland China. We think it is a wise move to leverage on Hong Kong's unique position as the springboard to China," he added.

The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Mike Rowse, welcomed SiPix's headquarters move. He said: "International corporations can benefit from Hong Kong's physical and cultural proximity to the Mainland, taking advantage of our entrepreneurial experience and networks in doing business with our Mainland counterparts."

"Our symbiotic relationship with the Mainland - as its financial and service hubs and its value-added centre - will grow even further in prominence as China enters the World Trade Organisation. Businesses like SiPix, which make the strategic choice of setting up a regional headquarters here, are sure to gain from the first-mover advantage," he added.

On the work and services provided by Invest Hong Kong, Mr Rowse said: "We are here to reach out and win inward investment for Hong Kong. We are here to help make Hong Kong's success stories continue. We are here to offer sector-specific advice and quality services to investors, whether corporate or individual, potential or current."

"Yes, we can" is our motto, he said.

End/Wednesday, April 11, 2001

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