Upstream Asia's founder and CEO David Ketchum says many MNCs have regional headquarters in Hong Kong where they have access to senior decision makers based in the SAR

Hong Kong is a powerful launch pad for regional expansion, according to the head of marketing and communications consultancy Upstream Asia.

Founder and CEO of Upstream, David Ketchum, said many of their multinational company (MNCs) clients have their regional headquarters in Hong Kong, making it easy to work alongside decision makers based in the SAR.

"Hong Kong's location in Asia, world class transport and communications infrastructure makes it easy to travel and reach out to other parts of the region. Everyday we see efficiencies in terms of our executives' time, and also in the overall cost of doing business," said Mr Ketchum.

Hong Kong's proximity to the Chinese mainland is also another reason why so many multinational companies need to have a base in the SAR.

"With the recently signed Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between China and Hong Kong, the needs of many MNCs are driven more and more towards China. The future success of a huge number of businesses throughout Greater China depends on a large part on their ability to leverage brands for competitive advantage and added customer value. Upstream Asia like Hong Kong itself will be integrally involved in this process," added Mr Ketchum.  

He said as a service business one of the keys for Upstream Asia's expansion is recruiting, developing and retaining executives. "Hong Kong has the necessary infrastructure of business and networking organisations, as well as specialist executive search firms to help build the team. We draw from a large pool of well-educated multilingual executives, many of whom have multinational and multicultural experience."

Founded in Hong Kong in 2000, Upstream which specialises in brand building and public relations, has offices in Singapore, Sydney and Taipei and a presence in the mainland.

Related link
Upstream Asia  www.upstreamasia.com