Michaud says that Hong Kong has evolved in a good way since the handover. The city is still the best place in Asia for fashion and business. And Hong Kong's tax-free status goes a long way towards making it a shoppers paradise. Hermes was founded in 1837. Nearly a century and a half later the company opened its first offices in Hong Kong. The region has remained the financial heart of Asia, and four years ago, Hermes established its Asia-Pacific headquarters here. Hermes employs more than 200 staff in the Asia-Pacific region. The company expects sales in China to grow, and Bertrand says in ten years Chinese demand for luxury goods could rival Japan's. Michaud says he's found the perfect balance between his personal and professional life here in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's economy has rebounded from the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s and the outbreak of SARS in 2003. The region's free market economy and policy of government non-intervention make it an attractive place for business, and increasingly foreign companies use Hong Kong as a stepping stone into China’s mainland.

Gerard Dubois has been passionate about pastries since he was a child. At 16 years old and he began an apprenticeship in Switzerland. That's where he learned how to make a variety of dessert, breads and pastries. After working as a chef at the Hilton hotels, Gerard moved to Hong Kong in the late 1980s and started his own company La Rose Noire. He provides fine European desserts and pastries to Hong Kong’s most luxurious hotels.

"Actually for me and personally for my business, not much change. You know in 95 was doing good, now 10 years on, 11 years on, was doing even better," says Gerard Dubois, Presidentof La Rose Noire,"so you can see some lovely French butter croissants, Voila. Our specialty, look here, that’s the layers you're looking for. You've got the layers of cream, a little meringue here, some whipping cream."

Still very simple, still straightforward. The business actually in HK is booming. That’s what it is all about. And don't have any trouble, didn't have any trouble after the handover or before the handover.

La Rose Noire produces a wide range of fresh and frozen goods. The company covers every sector of the market with 600 kinds of food, ranging from fresh bread to special-made chocolate. In 2006 La Rose Noire won the Business Superbrands award as one of Hong Kong's top fifty outstanding brands.