"I would not consider having my headquarters anywhere else"
New Jersey native Jim Thompson never realized that he was laying the foundation for the world's largest privately held group of international moving companies when he started a business with US$1,000 in 1963. Nor did he realise that Hong Kong would be pivotal to his company's extraordinary growth.
Today, the Crown Worldwide Group has a presence in 58 countries. It offers global mobility, transportation of household goods and fine art, business-information storage, warehousing, freight forwarding and third-party logistics to a wide variety of clients.
It has also diversified into the fine-wine business and established Asia's first professional wine cellar and private clubhouse in two historic bunkers.
Little wonder Mr Thompson calls Hong Kong "the best business city in the world. I would not consider having my headquarters anywhere else," he said. "Hong Kong has a sound legal system, easy customs regulations, low tax and incredible energy. People work hard and produce more."
Mr Thompson has some advice for companies that have yet to take advantage of the Asian region."Just do it! Hong Kong is a great base because of all the expertise about Asia, especially China, that can be found here."