60 People, 60 Stories

Growing with a force

By Helmuth Hennig (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-30 08:15

Great changes have taken place in China since the founding of the People's Republic of China 60 years ago.

From a closed economy, it has transformed into a force to be reckoned with on the global economic stage.

Hong Kong has been a vital link in this development, both as a market for Chinese products in its own right, as well as a conduit to the outside world. This role was further enhanced after the handover in 1997 with the introduction of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement CEPA, allowing Hong Kong companies to experience the full benefits of China's accession to the World Trade Organization earlier than companies in other jurisdictions.

Jebsen was established in Hong Kong in 1895. As a leading marketing and distribution organization for premium brands with more than 100 years of history in Greater China, Jebsen has been part and recipient of the blossoming ties between the mainland and the world.

We have recently marked the fifth anniversary of our wholly owned flagship enterprise in China which was established under the CEPA umbrella. Since our transition from representative offices to a direct presence five years ago, Jebsen's business in China has changed and grown in line with the country's economy.

Jebsen is proud to have been part of China's amazing transition over the past decades and we hope to continue to play a role in the country's continuing modernization of its economy.

Helmuth Hennig is group managing director of marketing and distribution organization Jebsen Group.