THE Jardine group is pressing ahead with plans for expansion in China despite the harsh attack made by Beijing last December, says Mr Michael Lo, director of Jardine Matheson (China).
Mr Lo, who is also manager of the Guangzhou office of the group's China division, said the group's expansion in China was unaffected by the criticism and Chinese partners were still keen to discuss possible co-operation.
Even after Beijing's criticism, he said Jardines had managed to sign letters of intent for projects in China, but he refused to divulge details.
Beijing's attack, which instantly caused sharp falls in share prices of group companies, has sparked further worries over the future of the Jardine group in Hongkong and particularly China.
As the Sino-British political row seems to have eased in recent weeks, worries over Jardines have also eased and the share prices have bounced back.
Speaking after a China-related seminar organised by the Federation of Hongkong Industries yesterday, Mr Lo said the Jardine group was studying many projects in China, with businesses varying from fast food restaurants to chain stores.