fizz whizz
Lai See, like Swire Properties managing director Keith Kerr, loves a good metaphor. The firm is cranking up its latest project at a time when landlords are practically paying people to lease their space.
At yesterday's topping-out ceremony for Pacific Palace 3, Mr Kerr dug deep: 'Generally speaking, all our offices are of grade-A quality. Island East is, we call it champagne at beer prices ... Here [Pacific Place] is champagne at champagne prices. But at the moment champagne is cheap because rents are down.'
Very nice. It's just a shame that his main competitor is leasing office space at Australian sparkling chardonnay prices.
lip slip slap soon
Battery-maker BYD's chairman Wang Chuanfu followed his PR handlers' advice at yesterday's CEO Forum, refusing to answer questions on the progress of intellectual property infringement law suits filed by competitors and BYD's foray into the car business.