ING Real Estate's Robert Lie says Hong Kong's attractive business location and easy access to capital markets make it an ideal Asian headquarters

Robert Lie, regional manager, South East Asia, who is currently based in Singapore, explained that the move comes with the takeover of Rodamco Asia, whose Hong Kong office oversees real estate investments in China, Korea and various other North Asian countries.

Although ING Real Estate Investment Management has been active in Asia since 1996, the move to have its headquarters in Hong Kong is a major milestone in its Asian expansion plans.

"Why Hong Kong? It is geographically more central to our business in Korea and China, and has easy access to capital markets and advisors, and it has a very sophisticated business environment. This is something that's very important to us," said Mr. Lie.

He added that ING Group already has their Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong, and it makes sense to be closer to head office.

As for future plans, Mr Lie was very clear. "After the merger with Rodamco, we currently have US$1.5 billion under management. We would like to double that in three years. The emphasis is on a number of countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Japan. Hong Kong and China will become more important in this equation," he explained.

"Hong Kong, in particular, will certainly be very important in the years to come. Although China has enormous potential, it has not yet caught up with Hong Kong and its extensive years of experience. It will still take a while for China to develop debt and capital markets, and a legal system to support them. This is what still makes Hong Kong a really attractive business location," he said.

"It's a very convenient city for business, and whatever you need is available. There are management advisors and well-educated people who speak fluent English - the accessibility is a great plus," Mr Lie added.

The company is set to make its move to Hong Kong on 1 August 2004, when Mr. Lie will relocate to Hong Kong as the General Manager of the Asian headquarters of ING Real Estate.

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