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Australia-based customer communications solutions provider, Salmat, announced today (September 15) its expansion plans for the Hong Kong operation. After moving into its new office at Taikoo Place, the company expects to increase its workforce by 50% by the end of this year.
Commenting on Salmat's development in Hong Kong, the company's Joint Managing Director, Mr Philip Salter, said, "Hong Kong is a financial hub of Asia while Salmat is a leading service provider for financial institutions. As Hong Kong is experiencing a strong economic rebound, we expect to see more local and foreign companies invest and grow in the city. Our timely Hong Kong expansion will be able to take advantage of the buoyant market here -- which is well supported by the ease of doing business here; a simple and low tax regime; the strategic location in the region; and a dedicated workforce."
Joint Managing Director of Salmat, Mr Peter Mattick said, "Security is our top priority in serving our customers' data management and processing needs. Hong Kong's excellent telecommunications infrastructure, coupled with the high level of data integrity, has made it a preferred operations base to grow our business. Our Hong Kong office has made a significant investment to introduce new technology to service Salmat's expanding client base in the Asian region."
Salmat entered Asia in 1996, setting up a joint venture with Jardine Matheson. Starting from the Philippines, the joint venture then opened operations in Taiwan and Hong Kong in 1998 and 2000 respectively. It acquired Jardine Matheson's interest in the joint ventures in 2002.
Salmat's Hong Kong office focuses on Business Process Outsourcing. It offers mail and data solutions that help manage and process clients' data.
The Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr John Rutherford, congratulated Salmat on its expansion in Hong Kong.
"Salmat is one more example of a foreign company capitalising on Hong Kong's competitive advantages to establish and expand its operations in Asia's premier city. Hong Kong has the largest number of regional headquarters and offices in the Asia-Pacific and it offers a promising market for business process outsourcing as corporations focus on their core business.
"Salmat claims its updated technology will bring about higher productivity for its local and regional clients. I am sure that services provided by companies like Salmat will further boost the usage of IT solutions among the Hong Kong business community," Mr Rutherford said.
Established in 1979, Salmat is one of Australasia's leading direct customer communications companies. It operates through three business divisions – Business Process Outsourcing, Targeted Media and Customer Contact Solutions. Salmat was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2002 and is currently employing more than 3,600 people with operations in 22 offices across Australasia and Asia. For more information, please visit the website at www.salmat.com.au.
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 and expand a business presence here. For more information, please visit the website at www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, September 15, 2005
Issued at HKT 15:49
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