HK offers the right tools for the job (hktdc.com)


	Thomas van Duinen, director of Trimex, encourages others to set up a business in Hong Kong “to see for themselves how easy it is”

As a buying agent for several leading tool importers in Europe and the US, Trimex Holdings Ltd Director Thomas van Duinen needs to keep his finger on the pulse.

Being fast and responsive to new products and trends is critical. And this is where Hong Kong gives him the edge.

“Most of the things I do involve OEM (original equipment manufacturing), producing for customers own brands. Names like Bosch and Black and Decker are among my customers,” Mr van Duinen said. “For product development in particular, Hong Kong is the best place to be. It is an international city where local people have more exposure to the global environment, so they understand about competitiveness and the need to innovate. As a sourcing hub, Hong Kong is definitely beneficial as it is the gateway to China.”

Dutch-born Mr van Duinen had previously worked in Taiwan and southern China, notching up 20 years of experience in the business before setting up Trimex in 1999. He says there were many reasons for choosing Hong Kong as his base.

Level playing field

“Most important is the level playing field, especially where courts are involved – so you can do business with confidence. Hong Kong also has a more transparent infrastructure. It is easy to set up a company here, and importantly for foreigners starting out, the lawyers and accountants also speak English.

“I do a lot of business on the mainland, Taiwan, South Korea and Thailand, so for me Hong Kong is a very convenient hub. With the Hong Kong International Airport offering the convenience of frequent direct flights to so many cities, Hong Kong was a stand out choice.”

When Mr Duinen started his company, it was up and running within four days. He said the Government was very helpful with information, and found a strongly business-minded community willing to assist with advice. “Whatever you need to know, you can find out quickly and easily – even filling a tax form is simple,” he said.

As the world gets smaller, it is more and more important for retailers to find their way into Asia, and Mr van Duinen can’t think of a better platform than Hong Kong.

Business and pleasure

“My customers like coming here because they can visit the factories (in China). Always, before or after their trip, they will spend a few days in Hong Kong for a “revaluation meeting”, enjoying the nice food and entertainment.”

Since it started, business has grown at 15 per cent year-on-year. Mr van Duinen sees Trimex heading for public listing, and when that happens, the IPO will be in Hong Kong. “The clear regulations and maturity of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange means there is almost no better place,” he said. “If only for that reason, we will be staying in Hong Kong.”