French watch manufacturer Greenland Manufacturer Limited is using Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta (PRD) as platforms for global reach as it develops its markets in Europe and Asia.

"No other place in the world offers such knowledge and workmanship," says company chief executive officer Eric Chevillard. "All the watch component suppliers have their main offices in Hong Kong and their factories in the PRD between Shenzhen and Guangdong, so we have everything we need in the area. Because of this proximity and the quality of people we have in our Hong Kong office and our China factory, we are able to be successful.''

Another benefit of being based in Hong Kong was the strength of its world-class trade fairs, Mr Chevillard said.

"We exhibit at all the international premier fairs in Hong Kong - the Gifts & Premium Fair, the Toys and Games Fair and the Watch & Clock Fair - which are very well organised fairs visited by almost all buyers around the world. As far as the watch business is concerned Hong Kong is the best place in the world.''

Mr Chevillard said anticipating trends and keeping one step ahead was vital in the timepiece industry. "You need to keep an open mind and since people change watches according to fashion, you must understand what customers are expecting in a watch in terms of quality and design.

"It is quite easy working from Hong Kong because it is a dynamic city with its own fashion trends, while at the same time Hong Kong people are well informed about overseas trends. This is one of the best advantages of basing a business in Hong Kong. It has a business and a living environment that you don't find in many cities in the world."

Founded in 1995, Greenland has a factory in Dongguan manufacturing more than 200,000 ODM (original design manufacture) and OEM (original equipment manufacture) watches per month for promotional, mail order and private label garment customers in France, Spain, Portugal and northern Europe. It is also developing markets in Australia and Japan.

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