Li Ning Company Limited opened its design, and research and development (design and R & D) centre in Hong Kong, demonstrating the company's recognition of the city's role as the design capital of Asia.

The new design and R&D centre, Li Ning Sports Technology Development (HK) Co., Ltd, is located in Tins Enterprises Centre, Cheung Sha Wan, Hong Kong, with a 6,000 square feet space. It will be responsible for enhancing the company's products and developing product designs.

Li Ning is one of the leading sports brand enterprises in the Mainland, and is involved in branding, research, design, manufacturing, distribution and retail. Its products range from sports footwear, apparel to accessories for sport and leisure use.

The Chairman of Li Ning Company, Li Ning, said, "We are very excited about the opening of our design and R&D centre in Hong Kong. We understand that innovation is a key driver of brand development, as well as an essential element in maintaining a brand's competitiveness in the market. Hong Kong has a well-established design industry offering local talent and sophisticated facilities. Through the new design and R&D centre in Hong Kong, we will be able to attract and recruit world-class designers and experts in product R&D to join our team." "The design and R&D centre will also serve as a platform for building close connections with international R&D and design institutes. In Hong Kong, our team can stay abreast of the latest global trends and design concepts, and further enhance the international exposure of our design team in the Mainland. As our business expands overseas, it will be particularly important for us to obtain first-hand market intelligence," said Mr Li. He also expressed appreciation for the assistance rendered by Invest Hong Kong to the company in Hong Kong. Mr Li said he is confident that with its extensive sales channels, distribution network, and strong supply-chain management, the Company will be able to offer professional and quality sports products to the consumers -- as well as provide even better investment return for its shareholders.

Photo shows the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mike Rowse (right) welcoming the Chairman of Li Ning Company, Mr Li Ning (left) to set up design and R&D centre in Hong Kong.

The Company plans to conduct R&D in collaboration with leading corporations and local universities. This collaboration would aim at offering innovative products to cater the specific needs of various customers. The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mike Rowse, together with the Chairman of the Company and winner of three gold medals at the 1984 Olympics, Li Ning; Athens 2004 Olympics 10m Air Pistol gold medallist Wang Yifu; and Women's Synchronised 3m Springboard Diving gold medallist Wu Minxia, attended the grand opening of the centre. In welcoming the establishment of Li Ning Design and R&D Centre, Mr Rowse said, "Li Ning is one of the premium sportswear brands in China, where there is a high demand for quality product design and development. Hong Kong is a meeting point for many international brands, providing a platform for exchange of innovative ideas, concepts and experience. Mainland enterprises with ambitions to grow into key international players, like Li Ning, will certainly benefit from the many advantages of Hong Kong as a platform to develop into a global brand." Li Ning is one of China's leading brands of sportswear and accessories, with an extensive sales network of more than 2,600 retail outlets and concessions in the Mainland. In June 2004, Li Ning Company Limited was listed on the main board of Hong Kong Stock Exchange. For more information about Li Ning, please visit the website at http://www.lining.com.