The senior vice-president of the Hong Kong stock exchange has been in the Isle of Man today, to sell its potential for Manx-registered firms seeking a foothold in the far east.

Eric Landeer was invited by the Department of Economic Development in the wake of the Island winning 'approved jurisdiction' status on the HK-Ex in 2010.

The event was co-hosted and sponsored by Douglas law practice Dougherty Quinn. The tie-up is part of a new joint approach between government and the private sector to raise the Island's profile around the world, highlighting in particular what the business sector has to offer.

The Hong Kong exchange is the 6th largest in the world, after New York, Nasdaq, Toyko London and Shanghai.

The Island is now seeking its first company listing, with local law and accountancy firms marketing what the Island has to offer to businesses both on and off-Island, as a base from which to gain access to the Chinese market.

It's a competitive market: the Channel Islands, Bermuda and Cayman already have approved status. 

Mr Landeer says the Island is working hard to corner a market:


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