InvestHK's John Rutherford (3rd from left), Genzyme president Sandford Smith and (extreme left) vice-president and general manager of Genzyme Asia Pacific Dick Meijer

The expanded Hong Kong office will oversee sales and liaison activities in the region, including the ASEAN countries, Taiwan and Korea. It also will serve as a regional hub for business and medical information and strategic support.

"Asia is one of the fastest growing areas for Genzyme, and Hong Kong is an important regional centre," said Vice President and General Manager of Genzyme Asia-Pacific, Dick Meijer. "We are optimistic about Genzyme's future in Hong Kong and look forward to working with our stakeholders to make our products available to more patients in this region."

The Nasdaq-listed company runs 14 manufacturing facilities and nine genetic testing laboratories. It employs nearly 7,000 employees worldwide and generates an annual revenue exceeding US$2 billion.

The Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, John Rutherford, said the diverse medical community in Hong Kong favours the establishment of Genzyme's regional office which can be used to organise conferences and education seminars. 

"With Hong Kong's pro-business environment, its high per capita income and support provided by its people to health-related organisations, Genzyme will be able to leverage on the city's market potential," added Mr Rutherford.

Headquartered in Massachusetts, the US company develops and applies advanced technologies in the life sciences. It provides products and services related to rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, cancer, transplants and immune diseases in more than 80 countries.

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