Mark Mowday of South Stream Seafoods, fishing with his son Max, 8, says Hong Kong offers the best in business and lifestyle

Hong Kong's love of fine dining led to a business opportunity for three expatriate entrepreneurs, who set up seafood import business South Stream Seafoods in 1990.

Australian Mark Mowday, who co-founded the company along with Canadian Bradley White and Paul Bouler of the US, says Hong Kong is an excellent place for start-up enterprises because the city is so well geared towards doing business.

"Hong Kong is so efficient, that setting up a business is easy and straightforward - you just register a company name, set up a bank account, and off you go," Mr Mowday said.

"If you need to get a licence (for import), there are few restrictions. Hong Kong taxes are low and very conducive towards small business. You don't get grilled over legitimate business expenses, as they are generally accepted.

Excellent business services

"The banking system is simple and Hong Kong has excellent insurance and financial services. The service providers are well qualified and will help you to get things done."

South Stream Seafoods imports a range of fresh and frozen seafoods mainly from New Zealand and Australia. Its produce features in the restaurants of top hotels such as the Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental, JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton, along with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Hong Kong Country Club and numerous restaurants including Lux, Caf?des Artistes and Post '97 in Lan Kwai Fong.

While the company offers a wide range of fish and shellfish, Mr Mowday says that the more upmarket varieties, including lobster, barramundi, yabbies and swordfish have always been in high demand. He puts this down to Hong Kong people's appreciation of fine dining, both as a means of doing business and for relaxing with friends.

"Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city where dining out is very much part of the culture. Its people have international exposure and appreciate quality, and this has led to a very wide range of top class food and beverage establishments."

Mr Mowday adds that the Hong Kong Government is actively supportive of small business, with a number of grants on offer. South Stream Seafoods has recently received approval for funding to attend the Hong Kong Restaurant and Bar Show in October.

Airport efficiency unrivalled

He says the efficiency of the Hong Kong International Airport is also highly favourable towards business, especially the pre-arrival customs clearance. "We can get in to the airport, pick up our goods, and be out again in under an hour - that is unheard of anywhere else."

Mr Mowday added that Hong Kong offers a safe and enjoyable lifestyle for raising a family. "We have the city on our doorstep along with beautiful beaches and country parks all within easy reach. There is such a huge choice of international schools that people coming to Hong Kong from just about any country can be sure their children will receive first class education, in most cases at the school of their own nationality. I don't know any other city that can match that."

South Stream Seafoods has now grown to include a home delivery service for retail customers, and is currently expanding its line of products.

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South Stream Seafoods