Leading testing and certification company KEMA Quality has chosen Hong Kong as its Greater China headquarters and as the base for its regional growth.

KEMA's Chief Executive Officer Pier Nabuurs said the company selected Hong Kong for its highly educated workforce, management skills, legal framework, geographical location and highly developed infrastructure.

The 75-year-old Dutch company held an official opening for its regional headquarters and laboratory facilities in Fanling today with Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong Simon Galpin as the guest of honour.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Nabuurs noted that the firm's new premises in Fanling, together with its significant investments in people and new testing equipment, underscore the company's expansion plans for the coming years.

The Dutch company has set an ambitious growth target, which will see its workforce in Greater China expand considerably between 2003 and 2007.

According to Mr Nabuurs, the expansion demonstrates the company's commitment to Hong Kong as a centre of its Greater China operations.

Mr Galpin welcomed the firm's move and reiterated that Hong Kong is an ideal place to manage a company's Asia-Pacific operations.

"Apart from our strategic location, we have a world-class infrastructure, skilled workforce and a transparent government and regulatory framework, which help companies like KEMA to prosper and take advantage of the opportunities around them.