A fine choice for business and lifestyle (hktdc.com)


	Manfred Nelius of Scottish Choice likes Hong Kong so much, he plans to retire here

German-born seafood importer Manfred Nelius had lived and worked in Australia before realising that Hong Kong was the ideal location to base his trading business. As Southeast Asian regional representative for Scottish Choice, a Scottish/English company, he tells why Hong Kong is his dream place to work hard, live well.

“In Sydney I ran a trading business that moved merchandise between Germany, China and Australia, but before long I realised that geographically, my location in this triangle was proving inconvenient. I decided to relocate in the 1990s, and Hong Kong made the logical choice. It is an axis not only of Asia but of the whole world, and one of the key reasons was its proximity to China.

Smaller companies rely on me to be the go-between from them to the supplier. I don’t need to “sell” Hong Kong to them – they know it is of utmost importance to have a presence here. Hong Kong is a conduit for trade, and puts overseas businesses right where it is all happening.

I have regular clients whom I sell and buy for – some foodstuffs, electrical items – and then three or four years ago, Scottish Choice approached me to represent them. They liked the existence of the British-based rule of law, and felt quite safe conducting business here, and using Hong Kong as the platform to China.

Instant advantage

I believe Hong Kong is a potential dream market for foreign companies or enterprising people who have the right vision and back-up. China is opening up more and more especially since WTO, and the ever increasing wealth of the middle class presents an instant commercial advantage. But we also knew the value of having a Hong Kong partner. It took a while, but we found the right one – a second generation supplier to the hotel catering business – who takes care of the delivery for us. Due to the fragile nature of our cargo, which is all high quality, fresh frozen wild fish, scallops, crabs, oysters and smoked items, it was vital to have a local edge.

The efficiency of the Hong Kong International Airport was another huge plus for us. When you’re moving 700kgs of crab at a time, and guarantee its freshness, you can’t afford to have any hiccups. The frequency, convenience and clearing efficiency of cargo arrivals here is all part of the favourable business environment of Hong Kong.

Scottish Choice caters to the high end market, which makes Hong Kong a perfect fit for us. People here are well travelled and really appreciate fine dining. They know good seafood when they see it, and don’t mind paying for it.

Sophisticated lifestyle

This dining out culture is one of the enjoyable aspects of life in Hong Kong, and one of the reasons I fully intend to retire here one day. I find more and more expats are doing the same, attracted by the lifestyle. Hong Kong has super infrastructure, a good health system, magnificent public transport, and a big tax advantage. It is a safe city, the investment climate is good, and the banking system is as good as anywhere. I cannot think of anywhere better than Hong Kong. And the fact that so many people who left during the Asian financial crisis are now coming back is another positive sign.”