Leading Canadian metal retailer chooses Hong Kong as a gateway to meet precious metal needs in Asia Pacific (with photos)
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    Montreal-based Kitco Metals Inc announced on 26 March 2007 the establishment of Kitco (H.K.) Metals Ltd, a move aimed at strengthening customer service and growing new business across the Asia Pacific region.

     The company - whose core business covers investment in bullion and coin products, provision of metal refining services and mill products for the jewelry industry, as well as offering platinum labware - currently has offices in Canada and the United States, while Hong Kong will serve as its first major investment outside North America. Its mission is to offer the best customer service to their customers.

     The newly established Hong Kong office will be the customer service centre for the Asia Pacific area. Coinciding with the establishment of its Hong Kong office, Kitco will also make all its product and service online information available in Chinese at www.kitco.cn.

     Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mike Rowse, welcomed the Kitco's decision. "With over 90 years of history in gold trading business, Hong Kong is one of the world's most influential and largest gold markets. The transparency of the city's trading environment and high trade volume attract many financial institutes and international and local gold trading companies to participate in the market."

     "Kitco's decision to open an office here puts them squarely among their customers, as well as offering easy access to the fast growing consumer markets in Mainland China and further a field in East Asia. Hong Kong's free trade status and efficient logistics network also make it an ideal base for a company involved in moving precious metals and precious metal products around the region and the world," added Mr. Rowse.

     Kitco Metals Inc, head-quartered in Montreal, Canada, offers a complete line of high-quality gold, silver, platinum and palladium bullion coins and bars, and the option to invest in pool accounts, as well as providing information, analysis and commentary on the precious metal commodity market. For more information, please visit the website at www.kitco.com and www.kitco.cn.

     Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with encouraging and facilitating inward investment into the city by providing the support needed to establish or expand a business presence here. For more information, please visit the website at www.investhk.gov.hk

Ends/Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:30

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