Director-General of Investment Promotion Mike Rowse has opened an Invest Hong Kong service centre in Chengdu. Speaking at the opening ceremony today, he said a larger presence in Sichuan is a logical response to the rapid growth in demand for InvestHK services from companies in China's western regions.

"We look forward to being able to better promote Hong Kong's advantages to the local business community, as well as offering tailored services to individual companies," he said.

The centre has three inward investment professionals who will provide free services, such as market research, advice on office rental, staff hiring, visa issues and networking opportunities.

"We see a strong trend towards more companies expanding into Hong Kong and we are fortunate that the Central Government, not least the Ministry of Commerce, is so supportive of our efforts to promote the advantages, opportunities and services Hong Kong has to offer."