Global semiconductor maker launches Asia-Pacific HQ

Multinational microchip manufacturer Freescale Semiconductor Inc. today (August 25) opened its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong.

Formerly known as Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector, Freescale is one of the oldest and most diverse makers of microchips in the world, producing them for use in motor vehicles, computers, industrial equipment, wireless communications and networking equipment.

Speaking at the company's launch, the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang, said the choice of Hong Kong as the headquarters for Freescale highlighted the city's attractiveness to semiconductor companies and other technology enterprises. It reflected the advantages of Hong Kong as a springboard to the Asia-Pacific region.

"I am confident that Hong Kong can provide a highly suitable business environment where a wide range of investors can successfully nurture their operations," he said.

Mr Tsang said the semiconductor industry was the key foundation to driving products and services in the global information age.

"The semiconductor is the essential component without which any electronic and telecommunications product today would cease to function," he said.

Over the past three decades, the world market for semiconductors has recorded an average growth rate of more than 10% a year in value terms, reaching US$166 billion last year.

Mr Tsang said that to enable sustainable development of innovation and technology programmes, the government had recently proposed a new strategic framework for public consultation. This included a more focused, co-ordinated and market-driven approach to leverage on Hong Kong's economic hinterland for innovation and technology development.

"We have identified 13 technology areas for further consideration, and we have included integrated circuit design as one of the focused areas. Ultimately, we hope our new programme framework will help capitalise on our competitive strengths and capture the vast potential market in the Pearl River Delta," he said.

Mr Tsang said that with continued efforts to support innovation and technology, Hong Kong would remain an unrivalled hub for technology companies and the ideal gateway to expand into the Mainland market.

Ends/Wednesday, August 25, 2004