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Invest Hong Kong today (June 10) celebrated the completion of its 2000th investment project. This marks a significant achievement for the Department, which is tasked with attracting foreign direct investment into Hong Kong.
Start Asia, an integrated branding consultancy from the United Kingdom, is the Department's 2000th investment project. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, presented a commemorative certificate to Start Asia's Managing Director, Mr Jonathan Cummings, to congratulate the company on its successful set up in Hong Kong.
Mrs Rita Lau said, "The Government has identified six growth industries where Hong Kong enjoys clear advantages. The creative industry is one of them. I am delighted that Invest Hong Kong has been attracting overseas companies from this sector to set up their business operations here. The presence of Start Asia in Hong Kong is a strong vote of confidence and support in our city's creative industry."
Mr Jonathan Cummings said, "We are honoured to be the 2000th project of Invest Hong Kong. Asia has always been on the radar, but we had to tackle it differently because it is a complex market in terms of language and culture with a huge span of market maturity. That is why we chose to open a full-service operation mirroring our London head office. We based the business in Hong Kong because of its rule of law, low tax, banking structure and, most importantly, its easy access to Mainland China."
"Also, we found in Hong Kong a high level of creative talent, with a blend of local and international expertise at a strategic level. With time, I see no reason why our Hong Kong office cannot grow to be the same size as London, and act as a strategic and creative regional hub managing smaller satellite offices in the region," Mr Cummings said.
Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Simon Galpin, said, "It is encouraging that our department has assisted 2,000 overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese companies in setting up or expanding their business operations in Hong Kong in just 10 years. This marks a significant milestone for the development of Invest Hong Kong since its establishment in July 2000."
About Start Asia
Start Asia is the Asia regional hub of Start Creative, a leading international agency delivering creative communications solutions to business challenges across brand, digital, retail and brand experience. Start clients around the world include Virgin, Adidas, Bentley, BBC, Barclays, Chow Tai Fook, Modern Green and Dubai World Trade Centre. For more information, please visit www.startcreative.com.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese 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 it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,000 investment projects creating over 25,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$52 billion worth of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157624097540249.
Ends/Thursday, June 10, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:30
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