Media Release – January 14, 2008
Attn: News / Business Editors

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has vowed to work in 2008 with its members and government to facilitate development of the SAR as a top talent centre in Asia, consistent with the region's growing needs, as announced by AmCham's new 2008 Chairman, Steven J. DeKrey.

Mr. DeKrey, an associate dean is Director of MBA/EMBA/MSc programs and an Adjunct Professor of Management, at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Business School, succeeded Gary L. Clinton to lead the largest foreign chamber of commerce in Hong Kong today.

In his inaugural speech, Mr. DeKrey reviewed AmCham's achievements over the past 40 years in Asia's business capital and highlighted AmCham's top priorities for the new year.

He also said AmCham would continue to work on provision of quality education for expatriate children, especially the availability of classroom space, which has become a significant issue of concern among member companies and affects the ability of companies to bring their best talent to Hong Kong.

"We will work with the government to find ways to allow existing international schools to expand, as a medium term solution to the problem," Mr. DeKrey added. The new chairman of AmCham would like to see Hong Kong to become the source for talent needs across Asia. He said, "Much progress has been made on educational fronts and visa policies but more can be done."

Mr. DeKrey set working with other China AmChams provide and improve seamless services for AmCham members throughout China as another top priority for the Chamber in 2008.

He said that there were now about eight AmChams in China, including those in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, and the Chamber would work to create strategies for greater interaction with China and Macau. All AmChams are self-funded, non-government business support organizations and operate independently.

"We will participate with Beijing and Shanghai AmChams on their annual 'Washington Doorknock' in May," he said. "This is a beginning to what we see as continued integration of activities and services for our members throughout China."

Mr. DeKrey also drew attention to the Chamber's ongoing key areas of concern, "We will continue to address issues related to improving Hong Kong as a great place for foreign companies to do business, with a focus on how to improve the quality of working life here." Toward that end, AmCham intends to produce and publish a 'Business Center Progress Report' on Hong Kong's efforts to become more of a 'World City' and Asia’s business capital.

For inquiries, please contact AmCham's Press Affairs Manager, Ms Toni Lau, on 2530-6915, or by email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Photo of AmCham's Chairman Steven J. DeKrey and President Jack Maisano taken at this afternoon's press conference is available at:

http://amcham.org.hk/press_center/DSC_0050_revised.JPG

The new Chairman of AmCham, Steven J. DeKrey, is Associate Dean, Director of MBA/EMBA/MSc programs, and Adjunct Professor of Management at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Business School:

http://amcham.org.hk/press_center/photo-teaching.jpg