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Hong Kong's unique position as the springboard for Mainland enterprises to expand overseas has been further strengthened.  Beijing-based software company UFSoft announced today (April 13) the official opening of its new regional headquarters in Hong Kong.  

The company chose to set up its first overseas office in 2003 in Hong Kong, and now has expanded the operation into the regional headquarters to oversee its business in Asia Pacific except Japan.  The company also officially launched its new corporate brand - UFIDA Co, Ltd ("UFIDA").

The Chairman and Founder of UFIDA, Mr Wang Wen Jing, said, "As the software market evolves, products and services must now work hand in hand to deliver added-value to the enterprise.  Our company is determined to develop our businesses along this strategic direction.  At the same time, we have equipped ourselves for the challenges ahead as we evolve from a domestic software company into an international market leader in the IT sector."

According to Mr Wang, Hong Kong serves as a bridge connecting Mainland enterprises like UFIDA with the rest of the Asia market.  The city's unparalleled location, excellent business environment, transparent legal and finance system, strong pool of talent and customer base combine to make Hong Kong the region's premier business hub.  Demonstrating UFIDA's long-term commitment in Hong Kong, the company has invested more resources and funds in the new headquarters, tripling its office size and number of staff.  

The Vice President of UFIDA, Mr Wu Qiang, said, "We at UFIDA are committed to leverage our local expertise as we strengthen our presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and ultimately, the international market.  We dedicate ourselves to helping customers realise vast opportunities in a knowledge-based economy in China and beyond."

Mr Wu also pointed out that the new corporate brand name announcement was made in Hong Kong -- instead of Beijing, where the corporate headquarters is located.  This was done because the company regards the new regional headquarters as an important strategic base for international business development.

Speaking about the company's future expansion plans, Mr Wang said, "Our regional headquarters in Hong Kong will continue to recruit more local talent to strengthen our sales and service capabilities.  With Hong Kong as our regional base, we will open offices in Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and Singapore very soon."

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mike Rowse, officiated at the opening ceremony of UFIDA's regional headquarters in Hong Kong.  

He said, "We are delighted to see another leading Mainland enterprise using Hong Kong as a springboard to expand overseas.  Our proven track record as the ideal location to establish regional and international presence for Mainland enterprises allows them to leverage our experience and expertise to enhance their competitiveness.  Moreover, the cluster of more than 3,600 regional headquarters and regional offices by foreign companies forms an excellent network for Mainland enterprises to identify business partners and customers in the region."

Mr Rowse also said, "For the past two years, we at Invest Hong Kong have been working closely with the management team at UFSoft, and now UFIDA, on their business development in Hong Kong.  We are particularly encouraged by the company's growth from opening its first overseas office here in 2003, which has now expanded into a regional headquarters.  We will continue to facilitate the company's expansion here, creating more jobs for Hong Kong.  We also hope that UFIDA will become a role model for other potential Mainland enterprises in IT and other sectors to build their presence here."

The goal of UFIDA is to become the largest management software enterprise in Asia-Pacific by 2006, and to become one of the top international management software suppliers by 2010.

UFIDA Co, Ltd, formerly known as UFSoft, is one of the leading providers of management software solutions and service in Asia.  Established in 1988, UFIDA has been recognised for its quality products, professional service and large customer base of 400,000 in China and other regions in Asia.  

Listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE: 600588), UFIDA owns over 50 branches and offices covering mainland of China, Hong Kong and Japan.  UFIDA offers management software products such as an accounting package, ERP, SCM, CRM, HR ¡V as well as vertical industry solutions such as e-government, finance and asset management.  For more information, please visit the new corporate website at www.ufida.com.hk.

Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with encouraging and facilitating inward 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/Wednesday, April 13, 2005

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