Three overseas technology companies have established bases in Hong Kong to be nearer to markets in the Chinese mainland and the Asia-Pacific region.

Canadian technology firm Northern Digital (NDI) recently set up its Asia-Pacific office in Hong Kong to take advantage of the SAR’s gateway position in the region, managing director Asia-Pacific David Xu said. He cited a growing demand for NDI’s solutions and services across the Asia-Pacific, as well as Hong Kong’s international and efficient business environment, as some of the reasons for the start-up.

NDI designs and manufactures advanced spatial measurement systems for the medical, research and industrial industries.

EDUCOM TS Inc, a Canadian software development company specialising in e-mail management, has built up a presence in Hong Kong through a strategic alliance with Hong Kong company Kenfil Limited.

EDUCOM’s sales manager Allan Jeffrey said the company believes it essential to have the right partner in Hong Kong as it considers the SAR as the gateway between China and the rest of the world. “Hong Kong is an amazing metropolis with many of the Global 2000 companies visibly represented here. With the 2008 Beijing Olympics and China’s entry to the World Trade Organisation, we expect to see the mainland undergoing many changes. Our relationship with Kenfil will ensure that we are at the right place at the right time.”

Mr Jeffrey also highlighted the significance of Hong Kong as a market. “With Hong Kong being the regional headquarters of many multinational firms, Hong Kong itself represents a huge market potential.”

Orc Software, listed on the Swedish Stock Exchange, selected Hong Kong as its first regional office in Asia because of the SAR’s financial hub status. An international supplier of integrated trading and risk management solutions offering software for real time trading, most of Orc Software’s clients include major investment banks, brokerage houses and trading firms.