Press Release - June 10, 2002

Canadian technology companies and businesses in other trades were urged today (June 10) to leverage on Hong Kong�s roles as the regional financial, trading and business centre and the premier gateway to new business opportunities in the mainland of China and the rest of Asia.

The call was made by the Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Canada), Mrs Rosanna Ure, when she welcomed a leading Canadian technology company joining many other foreign firms in setting up a regional headquarters in Hong Kong.

The Waterloo-based Northern Digital Inc (NDI), specialising in 3D real-time measurement systems, and having served its customers in the Asia Pacific Region for more than a decade, aims to capitalise on the growing demand for its products in the region by establishing a permanent base in Hong Kong.

Mrs Ure said: �NDI�s move reflects the strategic importance of Hong Kong to Canadian technology companies which are keen to do business in Asia Pacific Region.�

On NDI's choice of Hong Kong for its regional headquarters, the Managing Director of NDI Asia Pacific, Mr David Xu, explained: �Hong Kong offers an efficient and international business environment where it is easy to start up our Asia Pacific operations.�

�Hong Kong was the obvious choice, given its excellent infrastructure, especially in respect to IT, telecommunications, transport and shipping. We also value the availability of professional services such as legal, financial and marketing communications, as well as the city�s vast pool of highly-trained human resources,� said Mr Xu.

NDI develops, manufactures and sells advanced measurement systems for applications, ranging from image-guided surgery for orthopaedics and neurosurgery, to industrial use in quality inspection and reverse engineering.

NDI continues to build on its strengths in medical, research and industrial markets with 3 600 installations in over 25 countries around the world. The company sees Asia as one of its most important growth markets.

NDI's Director of Sales and Marketing, Mr Steve Currie, said: �Hong Kong provides an ideal platform to market our products throughout the region, especially to China. Having a local presence in Hong Kong is critical for developing the partnership we offer our customers by working closely with them to adapt our core measurements technology to their specific needs.�

He added: �We are committed to innovation. We invest more than 20 per cent of our revenue in research and development each year. This gives our products the cutting edge, which is crucial for winning new customers here in Asia.�

The acting Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Miss Wendy Chow Po-fun, was the guest of honour at the opening of NDI's new sales and service office in Wan Chai, Hong Kong today.

At the opening reception, Miss Chow said: �Hong Kong plays an important role as a sales and marketing hub for many overseas companies expanding their customer base in Asia. With Hong Kong�s ideal location and excellent infrastructure, companies find it easy to stay close to their target markets in the region.�

�NDI Asia Pacific brings a wealth of specialised technological know-how to our city, and we are pleased with the company�s choice of Hong Kong for its Asia Pacific headquarters,� Miss Chow added.



For more information, please contact:
John Tam, Chief Information Officer of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office at: (416) 924-5544 or email: [email protected] or Elison Chu, Senior Information Officer, [email protected].