Ever since it abolished wine duties in February 2008, Hong Kong has quickly moved towards its goal of becoming Asia's wine trading and distribution hub. Wine importing houses have seized the opportunity to increase shipments and establish a greater presence in Hong Kong with an eye on the huge mainland market, expected to become the driver of global wine sales in the next decade and beyond. "Hong Kong may not be a wine-producing region but our neutrality in trading and promoting wine is widely recognized. Wine traders find Hong Kong an ideal place because of its proximity to the mainland market, coupled with its well-developed infrastructure, and its modern storage and distribution facilities," explains Wendy Cheung, principal assistant secretary for commerce and development in the Hong Kong administration, in an interview.