Hong Kong: public relations capital of Asia? (includes related article)

We consider Asia/Pacific to be the world's fastest growing commercial region -- and Hong Kong is its center."

"The Asian market is perhaps the world's most dynamic for the communications service industry."

"Across Asia, public relation is growing fast. The current region-wide growth is about 25%. And this pace looks set to continue in the future. "

These are just three of the upbeat quotes this reporter gathered from public relations executives during a recent trip to Hong Kong. Despite fears that the 1997 takeover by the People's Republic of China will signify an end to the British colony's position as the business capital of Asia, the role of public relations is expected to grow.

Public relations executives from local and international firms operating in Hong Kong reported that business growth in the region has been brisk. (See sidebar, page 22.) They described Hong Kong as a global communications center that serves as a hub for most of their regional business. Another positive sign, they noted, is that clients based there continue to operate in a business-as-usual fashion and remain committed to Hong Kong, despite the imminent 1997 takeover.

These executives …