Hong Kong (with photo)
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Belgian diamond manufacturer Inter Gems-Claes (IGC) has established its Asia-Pacific regional headquarters in Hong Kong to develop its global network. The new regional base will serve IGC's existing customers in the Asia-Pacific region and further explore business opportunities.
IGC's global network includes world headquarters in Antwerp, an office in New York and factories in Belgium, Russia, Thailand and Laos. Currently employing 2,500 professionals worldwide, the company is recognised as a leading diamond manufacturer.
The CEO of Inter Germs-Claes, Mr Jacques Claes, expressed excitement about the company's investment in Hong Kong. "Opening the IGC Hong Kong regional office is an important step in our globalisation plans. The Hong Kong and emerging mainland China markets definitely need to be explored more closely," he said. "If we want to serve our local customers in the best way possible, a regional office with professional servicing staff is the right thing to do."
"We chose Hong Kong for our regional office in Asia for several reasons," Mr Claes said. "The low tax rate here is attractive. And the Double Taxation Treaty signed between Belgium and Hong Kong is definitely a boost. Moreover, Hong Kong is an attractive base for a European company in the Asia-Pacific region - in terms of location, cost, language and business culture."
The new Hong Kong office, headed by Managing Director of IGC Hong Kong, Mr Joris Graauwmans, will be responsible for managing the company's regional operations. Mr Graauwmans pointed out that the Hong Kong office would focus on further enhancing the company's service to its customers in the Asia-Pacific region and serve as a bridge between customers, factories and headquarters.
He also spoke about IGC's expansion plans in the region, saying that with the opening of the Hong Kong office, further expansion in the region would definitely be considered. "As the Mainland China market grows, so will our company network."
The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mike Rowse, met Mr Graauwmans during a visit to IGC's exhibition booth at the Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair. He welcomed the company's decision to set up in Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong is an ideal location for companies like IGC which has a global network and is keen on expansion in the Mainland market," Mr Rowse said. "More than 80% of corporate regional headquarters here are overseeing Mainland business, according to the 2005 Annual Survey of Regional Offices Representing Overseas Companies in Hong Kong. Moreover, Hong Kong remains one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the region -- another bonus point for foreign companies which wish to showcase their products to the world."
For more information about the company, please visit the website at www.intergemsclaes.com.
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/Tuesday, October 4, 2005
Issued at HKT 12:37
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