APC

APC's knight comes to the rescue of recession-plagued shippers

IN today's international freight-forwarding world, few firms can boast of a bone fide knight to cut a swath through the manifold difficulties between cargo origin and destination.

But such is the boast of APC (HK) Ltd, whose part owner Eligio Oggionni has been made a Cavaliere della Repubblica, a Knight of the Republic, an honour bestowed by the President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano.

"Such an honours are well deserved," said Italy's Consul and Deputy Head of Mission, Marco Maria Cerbo, "They assist the recipient become even more effective in public life. Honours are twice blessed - they bless him who gives and the recipient too."

Mr Oggionni, known for his extensive shipping connections in the Far East and Europe, was elevated for his contribution to Italian entrepreneurship as well as his active role in the Italian community in Hong Kong, said the consul.

Mr Oggionni has also been notable in the Chamber of Commerce and the Dante Alighieri Society, which advances Italian culture abroad. He was also honoured for his current role of running the Alessandro Manzoni Italian School, which enables expatriate Italian children to study under the Italian curriculum.

Mr Oggionni's company, APC, is an international freight forwarding company handling consolidated cargo by air, sea and sea-air with specific tailor-made logistics and pick and pack services. APC has offices in China, France, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam handling the logistics needs of south east Asia, Europe and Scandinavia.

APC started in 1981 under the name of ASG (Hong Kong) Ltd. In December 1999, following a management buy-out, the company officially became APC Asia Pacific Cargo (Hong Kong) Ltd. The APC Group is member of WIN, an Association of Independent Freight Forwarders with representation in 70 countries worldwide. APC's international network today offers its services all over the world.

Since its foundation in 1981, APC has increased its business to rank among the top IATA agents in Hong Kong. After initial concentration on Europe-bound business, APC diversified into the USA and Intra-Asia bound traffic.

Other recipients of this honour are David Li, CEO of Bank of East Asia; Warren Mok, renowned opera singer; Anna Frezet Waung, founder of the Italian Women's Association; Angelo Pepe, founder of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Metadesign; Richard Lee, chief executive of the of the Wo Kee Hong Group and Paul Kan, CEO of Champion Technology.