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The Kumamoto Prefectural Government (Kumamoto Prefecture Foreign Trade Association) opened its representative office in Hong Kong today (September 11), aiming to use the city to enhance promotion of the prefecture's tourism and agricultural and marine products in Asia.
The Chief Director of Kumamoto Prefectural Hong Kong Representative Office, Mr Hideki Nishiyama, said that the Hong Kong office is jointly run by Higo Bank Ltd, a regional bank headquartered in Kumamoto Prefecture. It will mainly cover the Mainland China, Taiwan and Macau markets, as part of the prefecture's regional network which also includes Singapore, Shanghai and Nanning. The Hong Kong office will promote a wide range of agricultural and marine products produced in Kumamoto, notably exports of fruits such as fresh tomatoes and processed food.
Mr Nishiyama said, "Hong Kong is an important trading partner for Kumamoto as the exports of our agricultural products to the city account for two-thirds of our entire exports. As the food market in Hong Kong is very competitive, we need to have a presence here to get to know our customers and markets better, in order to further expand our export volume and product range."
He added that the Hong Kong office acts as the information centre for the prefecture, to collect and provide a wide range of market and cultural information for the prefecture. Kumamon, the official black bear mascot and Sales Manager of Kumamoto Prefecture, also plays an active role in promoting tourism and other publicity campaigns.
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Dr Jimmy Chiang said, "Hong Kong is a free port with zero tariffs and a popular destination for international and Mainland visitors. It is an excellent location for both public and private sector organisations to promote their products and build brand awareness in Asia. We wish the prefecture every success in the city."
About Kumamoto Prefecture
Kumamoto Prefecture is one of the largest producers of agricultural and marine products in Japan, producing a variety of high-quality agricultural and marine products. The prefecture has been leading exports of such products and has recently recorded the highest export figures with exports amounting to 3.54 billion yen in 2014. In addition, Mount Aso, located in Kumamoto Prefecture, is one of the world's largest caldera volcanoes and offers tourists an abundance of natural attractions. For more information, please visit www.pref.kumamoto.jp.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong (Invest HK) is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in July 2000 to attract foreign direct investment and support overseas and Mainland 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 at June 2015, InvestHK had assisted over 3,700 companies which have created more than 40,200 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over $99 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72157658353069152.
Ends/Friday, September 11, 2015
Issued at HKT 13:04
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