Australian logistics firm to explore opportunities from HK base (hktdc.com)


	Regional Director, International Business Development, Stewart Schneider-Loos (left), and the Business Development Executive for the Asian Region, Ivey Ho of OBM

The increasing trade between Hong Kong and Australia has attracted the Australian logistics company, OBM International Trade Services, to establish its first overseas office in Hong Kong and take advantage of the business opportunities in the Asian market.

The new office will offer the company’s full range of services including import & export freight forwarding, customs brokerage, trade consultancy and project management services. Trading under the name OBM International Trade Services Asia, the new subsidiary marks an important step forward in the company’s long-term growth strategy.

The Managing Director of OBM International Trade Services, Mike O’Brien, said: "OBM has recognised the large growth in imports and exports out of Asia, and especially China. The opening of our new office in Hong Kong demonstrates our deep commitment to servicing our clients trading in this region."

He pointed out that imports from China to Australia are growing at a rate of over 25 per cent per annum, and exports from Australia to China are also increasing steadily. This presents a major opportunity for OBM.

"With 80 per cent of export and import cargo from China handled through Hong Kong, it was a natural choice for OBM to set up a base here to manage business activities in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta", Mr O’Brien added.

The Hong Kong operation was established to provide more control over business that is being moved via Hong Kong and Southern China. The new office will also enable OBM to conduct negotiations locally, rather than from a remote location.

Commenting on the advantages of operating from Hong Kong, the International Business Development Manager of OBM, Stewart Schneider-Loos, said: "Hong Kong offers us many business advantages – a modern world class city with excellent communications infrastructure, a comprehensive range of supporting services, a pool of world class talent and expertise and close proximity to the Mainland market".

According to Mr Schneider-Loos, the Hong Kong office will play an important role in facilitating the efficient movement of goods between Australia and various Asian markets.

The Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Simon Galpin, said: "As Asia’s leading logistics hub, Hong Kong is well positioned to support the intensified trading of goods between Mainland China, particularly the Pearl River Delta, and the rest of the world."