GAC Hong Kong, part of the global shipping, logistics and marine services provider GAC Group, has marked 40 years in operation with an event celebrating the company’s growth into one of the leading ship agents and logistics services providers in the territory. Established in 1974 as the GAC Group’s first operation in Asia with a three-person trading outfit, GAC Hong Kong now has a staff of 78 across two locations in Hong Kong, as well as a sister office in Shenzhen, China, providing complete supply chain solutions for local and international customers across a wide range of industries. Fredrik Nyström, Group Vice President, Asia Pacific, GAC Group, commented on the milestone: “Hong Kong has continued to develop as one of the most important shipping and logistics hubs in the world by remaining open, agile, and intuitive to the changing needs of global markets, which is an approach that we have successfully mirrored here at GAC over the past four decades. We have made significant investments in developing the resources, infrastructure, facilities and personnel in Hong Kong to respond flexibly to the changing needs of our customers here, and will continue to do so as they adapt to evolving market dynamics.” GAC Hong Kong has experienced continued growth in demand for its shipping services in recent years, establishing the company as one of the top three ship agents in Hong Kong with over 400 port calls in 2013. The company has also established itself as a leading logistics services provider through continued development of its freight forwarding division and local warehousing facilities for land, sea and air freight, both in Hong Kong and across the Pearl River Delta. Thomas Okbo, Managing Director of GAC Hong Kong, commented: “Hong Kong is as an extremely dynamic, transparent and reliable trans-shipment hub, but competition is stiff and there are increasing pressures on all players, primarily due to increasing operational costs within the territory. Being able to utilise GAC’s well-established local knowledge and connections in Hong Kong and Mainland China where we have seven offices, in addition to the Group’s global network, is a significant advantage. “Given our network reach and breadth of support services, we can maintain greater control over the supply chain and help our customers increase efficiencies across their operations, streamline costs and maximise profitability. This ability to deliver value and support our customers as their needs change will also continue to drive GAC’s further growth and development in Hong Kong and Mainland China.” When GAC Hong Kong was originally incorporated forty years ago, the company focused primarily on introducing Swedish steel into China. However, since the 1980’s GAC Hong Kong has significantly developed its offering to include full logistics services spanning diverse sectors, as well as a growing portfolio of shipping support services.   GAC’s 40th Anniversary celebration was held at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Hong Kong and was attended by customers, partners and colleagues from across the GAC Group, including Group Co-Chairman, Capt. Lars Safverstrom and Group President, Bengt Ekstrand.