In 1969 when Paul Clerc-Renaud, managing director of Fargo Group was given the choice of places to complete his MBA internship, he chose Asia.

After completing his studies he worked in New Zealand and Australia as a freelance consultant. In the mid 1970s he moved to Hong Kong where, quickly identifying the potential of the import/export business in the mainland, he bought Fargo - a group of international trading companies specialising in Euro-China trade, employing more than 80 staff in offices located in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Bombay and Johannesburg. He is honorary president of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which has awarded him the Legion of Honour for services to the development of Euro-China trade.

¡§Hong Kong is the natural hub and nerve centre for Fargo Group¡¦s business activities. It is also the stepping-stone into the mainland, the rest of Asia and the world beyond - so it would be unthinkable to be located anywhere else.

Hong Kong is a place where friendships and strong business relationships develop, and generates the driving force behind the company¡¦s unique blend of Western-Chinese conceptual strengths.

After 25 years of trading Fargo belongs to an exclusive group of small to medium-sized French enterprises which are headquartered in Hong Kong, but have enjoyed considerable success in China for a long time.

In addition to importing textile-manufacturing equipment and industrial supplies to China, Fargo exports a wide range of products including ceramics and promotional items to Europe.

The group also assists Western industrialists in setting up manufacturing or distribution operations, and distributes European consumer items such as furniture and fashion to the mainland¡¦s major coastal cities and Beijing

Operating a business in Hong Kong presents plenty of interesting challenges. There is a lot of keen competition, but this should be looked at in a positive way because it keeps you on your toes and makes you look for innovative ways to drive your business forward.

The closeness of the business community means there is a great deal of cross-enterprise support, and the opportunity for networking. A casual meeting with someone at a trade event or business lunch can suddenly develop into a new project. This is just one of Hong Kong¡¦s many exciting and unique aspects.

As the benefits of China¡¦s ascendancy to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) start to materialise, Hong Kong businesses will have a head start. China¡¦s WTO membership will mean a fairer trading environment, wider market access, more foreign capital inflow, faster restructuring of state-owned enterprises, and accelerated transformation into a market-driven economy.

There will be enormous gains for Hong Kong in terms of both goods and services trade but in order to fully reap the benefits, Hong Kong must also position itself, identify its niche, enhance its infrastructure, and sharpen the capability of its workforce.

In terms of convenience, Hong Kong is superbly geared up for the import/export business due to its wealth of experience, banking facilities, transportation and shipping. There is also the strong work ethic, which provides a competitive advantage.

Hong Kong¡¦s marvellous international airport, which is easily accessible and user friendly, is a superb facility for frequent business travellers such as myself.

The various international business organisations like the French Chamber of Commerce perform a vital role in developing co-operation and understanding between government regulating bodies, and helping to develop initiatives and workable agreements.