This development surge in the New Territories provides us with tremendous growth opportunities. In view of this trend, we have introduced services that cover the New Territories extensively and launched additional overnight and peak hour bus services to the New Territories to meet the high demand.
Likewise, we foresee high potential for ridership increase in the fast growing areas of development on both sides of the Shenzhen/Hong Kong border. The territory's proximity to southern China has made it the natural logistical threshold to growing commercial and industrial sites on the mainland, including Shenzhen, the booming special economic zone contiguous to the New Territories of Hong Kong. We anticipate residential development to occur at a rapid pace, in parallel with that of commerce and industry, resulting in the emergence of new border towns. To capture this potential market, Art East Limited was incorporated, of which 50 per cent is owned by our Company and the other 50 per cent by a Shenzhen company. A border shuttle bus service between Lok Ma Chau (Hong Kong) and Huanggang (Shenzhen) operated by Art East Limited was successfully launched on 20 March
1997.
Related Services to China
The advent of Hong Kong's reunification with China has sparked a positive momentum of growth and development in commercial and residential sectors in China which will increase the need for bus services. Because of this, the coming year presents us with unique challenges and windows of opportunity. Whether it be by of a direct service, or in an advisory capacity, or through a joint venture, KMB fully intends to participate in providing sound transport solutions for the territory and the greater region in the face of this exciting new environment.
way
Ongoing Pursuit of Excellence
We will position ourselves favourably for what lies ahead by maintaining operational and service excellence. As of 1996, all of our service depots have been awarded ISO 9002 certification. We are pursuing our comprehensive ISO 9002 programme with the ultimate goal of having every department in our organisation certified. Moreover, KMB will also seek to remain a leader in adopting and commissioning the latest technology for the upgrading and maintenance of our fleet of buses. We affirm our commitment to excellence throughout the KMB
organisation.
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