Allan Zeman created the best known entertainment area Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong and is set to revitalize Ocean Park, the SAR's first theme park

Entrepreneur Allan Zeman has played a major role in making Lan Kwai Fong the best-known entertainment zone in Hong Kong, an area famed internationally for its exciting collection of bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Around 20 years ago the street, just above Central, was lined with small shops, but Mr Zeman saw the potential for change, as Hong Kong became more cosmopolitan.

The businessman opened the restaurant California - still going strong today - one of many themed operations that would follow in the years to come. His current portfolio includes Indochine, Tokio Joe, Cafe des Artistes, Thai Lemongrass and Twentyonetwentyone bar to name a few.

Mr Zeman's success has paralleled the growth of Hong Kong. When he first arrived, some three decades ago, the newcomer saw the huge potential for growth, bought a property and plunged into business.

"I now consider Hong Kong to be my home," he says. "I have spent most of my life here. From the minute I arrived it was my adopted home, not a temporary base. I am very localised today and do a lot of government work.
 
"Business is enjoyable - I love it. I actually find it relaxing. I enjoy the challenge of being successful in business - every day is a puzzle that you have to try and figure out.  Most of my businesses are creative and working in a creative industry is very gratifying."

Hong Kong icon
 
Before entering the entertainment zone, Mr Zeman had already enjoyed tremendous business success in Hong Kong, founding the Colby International Group, which initially sourced and exported fashion apparel to Canada.

It grew to become one of the largest supply chain management companies in the world with more than 36 offices worldwide. In late 2000, Colby was sold to Li & Fung Limited, a Hong Kong listed company which was Colby's major competitor.

But it is Lan Kwai Fong he is best known for, and where he can be seen daily; ironically, Mr Zeman is a teetotaller, who does not touch a drop of the liquor wine and beer his outlets sell. The Lan Kwai Fong Holdings chairman directs his many interest from spacious offices overlooking the famous street, close to California bar and restaurant.

"I think the Lan Kwai Fong street sign is one of the most photographed in all of Hong Kong, an icon," he says. "It is very popular with visitors from the Chinese mainland.

"Leaving aside the monetary side of things, it gives me a lot of pleasure to see so many people enjoying themselves - it brings a lot of happiness to Hong Kong. Recently, we had the Lan Kwai Fong carnival, which had a Caribbean theme. That was very gratifying."

Another current Mr Zeman project is to revitalise Ocean Park, the most popular theme park in Hong Kong, due for a major makeover.

"It is a big challenge and with Disney coming to Hong Kong even more so," he says. "It does have one of the best locations in the world. We will enhance the animal side and also introduce educational and interactive elements."

He is a regular visitor to China, and is hugely upbeat on the prospects for the mainland, and the vital role Hong Kong will play in helping it develop.

"I have always been very bullish on Hong Kong and China," he says. "On the mainland there have been many positive changes. I think expansion in China is on the horizon."