Despite the slowing United States economy and an uncertain high technology sector, recruitment activity among Hong Kong's sales and marketing industry is on the rise, according to consultancy Michael Page International. The significant increase in demand for such professionals has placed upward pressure on salaries, the 2001 Sales and Marketing Salary survey has found. 'This could have an impact on Hong Kong's competitiveness, so firms should see this trend as an early warning sign and plan accordingly,' Michael Page director Dan Chavasse said. The survey found the increase in demand stemmed from Hong Kong's strong growth rebound last year. It said across all sectors, a greater focus on e-strategy and interactive marketing was driving demand for a combination of Internet and traditional marketing skills. While salaries remain largely static across all sectors, a widening gap is emerging between information technology and the rest of the profession. 'This is a noticeable trend within the marketing profession towards technology companies,' Mr Chavasse said. 'Many practitioners are recognising the greater earning potential in the IT sector. This is making it difficult for other sectors to attract and retain quality marketers.'
