Several overseas information technology (IT) firms have established regional offices in Hong Kong, continuing strong international interest in the SAR as the preferred location for multinational corporations setting up their Asia-Pacific headquarters to access the Chinese mainland.

Internet security services provider TrustAsia, the Asian affiliate of US-based VeriSign, opened its regional headquarters in the SAR recently. Founder and chief executive officer Seth Jutan said Hong Kong would serve as regional headquarters for TrustAsia’s net security payment services. “With the explosion of e-commerce, m-commerce and online payment innovations throughout Asia, TrustAsia recognises the need to protect online consumers and has made a firm commitment to provide a level of security on the Internet that is unmatched.”

Software company Magic Solutions, a subsidiary of US-based Network Associates, California-based design software developer Autodesk and Taiwanese computer company Sky Eagle Computer Technology Co Ltd cited the SAR’s proximity to the mainland as one of the prime reasons for their presence in Hong Kong.

Magic Solutions' executive director Les Vaughn said he set up the North Asia sales office in Hong Kong to expand business further in the Asia-Pacific region. Sky Eagle is relocating its financing and foreign trading centre from Taiwan to Hong Kong to take advantage of the SAR’s excellent communication and financial infrastructure.

The world’s leading manufacturer of door locks and security systems, Swiss company Assa Abloy, has upgraded its Hong Kong office to its regional headquarters with a view to regional expansion. Assa Abloy (Asia) CEO Carl-Henric Svanberg said that people were more concerned with security since the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US and as a result, the company expected a surge in business opportunities in security systems and door locks in its major market, Asia. Mr Svanberg added that Assa Abloy was planning to expand further in the mainland market, particularly in the non-residential sector.