Hong Kong’s most respected business annual has picked DR PAULO MALO as its Innovator of the Year 2011.

Published annually by global publisher Mediazone Group, HONG KONG’S MOST VALUABLE COMPANIES is the territory’s only English-language business title, received and referred to by the region’s public and private sector elite.

Dr. Paulo Malo became the first medical professional to be nominated by the magazine’s elite readership for his tireless work in bringing preventative and curative medical facilities to a growing China market.

The trophy was presented to Dr. Malo at his newly opened clinic-cum-spa at the Venetian Resort, Macau by Group Managing Editor and Publisher Glenn Rogers.

“Dr. Malo’s commitment in terms of investment and time, has brought cutting edge science and expertise to a market most in need of it. What he has done here today will save lives, prevent health loss, empower local dentists and consequently have a holistic impact on the economy of the region, said Rogers.

He added: “We are proud to have picked Dr. Malo for this annual honour because his work is already bringing immeasurable relief to people most in need of the range of services offered by the Malo Clinic in Macau. Thanks to his vision and belief in this important market, we no longer need to travel abroad as medical tourists.”

Receiving the coveted trophy, Dr Malo said it was a fitting tribute to the Malo Clinic teams around the world. “Science is the all important basis, but at the heart of what we do here is – service. Every aspect of our work is geared to bringing relief and comfort to our customer. The world has changed and today, our profession needs to address the needs of ‘customers’ not ‘patients.’ Preventative medical care is gaining new importance and customers expect a new level of treatment. This is why the Malo Clinic is an artistic combination of both, Clinic and Spa. We offer both rejuvenation as well as medical care. This is the way forward.”

Picture Caption: Dr Paulo Malo receiving the Innovator of the Year 2011 Trophy No. 125MZ811HKREG045 from Mediazone Group’s Managing Editor Glenn Rogers.

Visuals:
For Interview on Taipan Time: http://mediazone.com.hk/taipantime_malo.html
For Malo Clinic Walkthrough: http://mediazone.com.hk/taipantime_malo_walkthrough.html
For additional Information – Please contact the editor, Martin Smith on (852)21113161 or via e-mail on contact@mediazone.com.hk

About Malo Clinic Health & Wellness
What started with a Dental Clinic in Lisbon is today a world reference as an international Health Group. In response to patient’s frequent queries regarding esthetics and wellbeing, MALO CLINIC began to develop other medical service lines and specialties. What emerged was our concept of a "Medical Spa"- facilities with a strong medical component for diagnostics, prevention, and lifestyle assessment, along with all the classic rituals and beauty treatments of traditional Spas. In recent years, we’ve established partnerships with international hotel groups of excellence, positioning facilities within or adjacent to them.
Present in four continents, the group has an expansion plan that envisages the presence until 2012 with own Clinics, Spas, Medical spas and Partnerships in 26 cities in the world: Portugal (Alvor, Armação de Pêra, Coimbra, Funchal, Lisbon, Luso, Porto, Porto Santo); Brazil (Campinas, Salvador da Bahia, São Paulo); Morocco (Casablanca); Africa (Luanda); China (Macau, Hong Kong); Japan (Tokyo); Spain (La Coruña, Gran Canaria, Malaga, Lerida); Italy (Milan, Sardinia); Israel (Nahariya); USA (New Jersey); United Kingdom (London); Poland (Warsaw).
 
Our mission is to transform lives and prevent illness by maintaining an optimum level of health.
As the world’s largest wellness centre of its kind, Malo Clinic Health & Wellness Macau introduces a new wellness concept to Asia.
Covering 160,000 square feet, and set within a tranquil, inviting environment, we offer a comprehensive array of healthcare and wellness services and treatments, featuring the most advanced medical equipment and a highly trained team of healthcare and spa professionals.

Sweden became the only Nordic country to make it to 2010 exclusive list of Hong Kong’s Most Valuable Companies, thanks to commendable strides made by one of its biggest companies, transport specialist SCANIA.

The prestigious list is announced in Hong Kong every year through the publication of Hong Kong’s most respected English-language business annual titled Hong Kong’s Most Valuable Companies (HKMVC).

Winners are selected by Mediazone Publishing, after shortlisted companies are rigorously screened and vetted, in Hong Kong and abroad. Each year hundreds of local and foreign companies apply for the Award and less than 50 are finally picked.

Applicants are required to furnish industry/sector specific information on their progress and details of their accomplishments for study by the judging panel, comprising the Publisher’s Board of Editors and the Mediazone Asia-Pacific Research Dept. Winners are chosen based purely on the VALUE their accomplishments are deemed to bring to the consumer. Size, financial strength, and global footprint do not figure as criteria as much as the Quality of the winner’s products and services. 

Presenting the Trophy of Excellence to Mattias Lundholm, Scania’s Managing Director in Hong Kong, Mediazone Publishing’s Associate Publisher Glenn Rogers said, “Scania’s pioneering work in the field of Green Technology is a beacon to the global transport industry as it struggles to reduce emissions thereby curbing global warming. Scania’s Uptime Management Programme is central to this effort as it achieves greater productivity with notably less impact on the environment. That’s what the market wants and needs and Scania seems to be the only company clearly able to supply smart, proactive companies in Hong Kong, with green transport solutions they can feel good to profit by.  Scania is most certainly, Hong Kong’s #1 Transport Partner.” 

“I accept this trophy with humility, on behalf of each and every employee of Scania because it is recognition of every daily endeavour my colleagues make across every Scania office that results in what we have today – vehicles that are easy on our customer’s wallets and conscience. There is a growing demand for Scania’s quality in the Greater China region and this Award is a clear indication that Scania is on the right track to meet this demand,” Lundholm said.

“We focus on methods rather than results. A Scania customer obtains the best total operating economy in the industry while reducing the environmental impact. We achieve this by working with both the customer’s operating costs, such as fuel economy and repair and maintenance, and with revenue-related factors such as load carrying capacity and uptime all linked to the latest technological advances. A successful combination of products, services and financial services – an integrated business – is what makes this possible,” added Lundholm.

來自瑞典的運輸專家斯堪尼亞是北歐最大的企業之一，近年發展長足，是「2010年香港最有價值企業」榮譽榜上，唯一一家北歐企業。

「香港最有價值企業」的評選結果每年均於香港享負盛名的商業英語刊物《香港最有價值企業》中刊出。

每年，Mediazone 出版集團都會從數以千計的本地及海外參選企業中，選出表現最突出者。評審的工作於香港及海外進行，能夠在云云參選企業中突為而出，成為該年度最有價值者，每年不出五十家。

「香港最有價值企業」評審委員會的成員由 Mediazone 編輯委員會及 Mediazone 亞太區研究部組成。參選企業須向委員會提交業務發展及各項成就的詳情，能否脫穎而出，完全視乎他們能夠為客戶帶來甚麼價值。事實上，相比起企業的規模、財力和環球發展，委員會更加重視企業的產品和服務。

Mediazone 出版集團聯合出版人 Glenn Rogers 於頒發卓越企業大獎予斯堪尼亞香港總經理 Mattias Lundholm 時，讚揚斯堪尼亞對環保的貢獻：「斯堪尼亞致力減少廢氣排放，協助阻止全球氣溫上升，是發展綠色科技的先鋒，貢獻足為同業楷模。斯堪尼亞在環保方面成就斐然，其營運時間管理概念功不可沒。有關概念不但提高客戶的生產力，更大大減少對環境的影響，這正是市場所渴望且需要的。斯堪尼亞亦是香港唯一一家，能夠為眾多高瞻遠矚、積極進取的本地公司，提供綠色運輸解決方案的企業，幫助客戶提高營運效益，同時為環保盡一分力。毫無疑問，斯堪尼亞是香港最佳運輸夥伴。」

Lundholm 表示：「斯堪尼亞很榮幸能夠得到這個殊榮，我謹代表斯堪尼亞全體員工多謝大會。是次入選是我們各地辦事處每位員工努力的成果。全憑他們的努力，斯堪尼亞才能有今天的成就 — 我們的車輛不僅節省客戶的成本，更保護地球的資源。目前，大中華區對斯堪尼亞的需求日益增加，此項殊榮是我們朝著正確方向邁步向前的最佳證明。」

After much speculation on which companies would eventually make the prestigious annual list, Mediazone Hong Kong finally released the first copy of this year’s flagship publication titled Hong Kong’s Most Valuable Companies 2010.

Forty-Eight companies successfully reached this year’s finish line disappointing 101 others who were eliminated in the last round of the publisher’s stringent judging process.

Each year the Mediazone Group picks less than 50 winners from an initial list of 11,000 international and local brands (from HK & China’s top 12 industries) with a presence in Hong Kong. The winners are then interviewed and covered within the pages of Mediazone’s popular annual titled Hong Kong’s Most Valuable Companies – the territory’s only surviving business title widely accepted by the business elite and the public sector in Hong Kong, Macau and China.

This year’s edition is widely regarded to be an editorial coup as the edition boasts of China’s prime minister as its Man of the Year. It also carries an exclusive report on Macau’s new leader and Taiwan’s president, Ma Ying-Jeou.

In a strict departure from a 10-year old tradition, MZG CEO Glenn Rogers (who himself conducted some of the interviews made his closing remarks on each of the winners, in his broadcast to the world press last night. We reproduce them here.

YCY Holdings: The company is an inspiration to every entrepreneur who has the interest of the customer at heart. Entrepreneur Patrick Yau has proved himself to be a true role model.

Scania Hong Kong: This Swedish company is not only changing the face of the transportation industry in Hong Kong but is also saving lives, reputations, and our environment through its innovative green technology.

Nuance Watson HK Ltd: Alessandra Piovesana is winner of our Miss Integrity Award. She is to the business world what Stephen Spielberg is to the motion pictures industry. She brings unparalleled transparency and empowerment to the consumer.

Altruist Financial Services: Albert Lam of Altruist is our Visionary of the Year thanks to his devoting 40 years of his life to bring value to the customer.

Preton North Asia Ltd: This innovative company is helping competitive companies cut cost and save the environment. In these challenging times, that is certainly worth celebrating!

AMG Financial Group: This is a pragmatic company with an eye on quality of service.

AC&A: Rita Wan is perhaps the most passionate person on the Six Sigma stage today. Every company serious about growth might wish to see what AC&A has to offer.

Shun Tak: Recovering Stanley Ho is the reason Shun Tak makes this year’s list. His vision of growth for his company and for Macau remains exemplary.

Mirae Asset Financial Group: Its proven ability to find hidden gems sets it apart from its ilk. The Group is a clear front-runner where it comes to offering discerning investors returns they can believe in.

Thorn Lighting: Perhaps the only lighting company in Hong Kong with the capacity to plan, execute and manage projects of any size, Thorn Lighting is a true icon of our times.

Mira Watch International: An inspirational story, the company is in a niche of its own. It is a credible innovator that’s rapidly winning friends and influencing people.

Noble Apex Advisors Ltd:  Dr. M. F. Chan, a leading light in the financial services industry is widely lauded for his ability to think as the common man – the ordinary investor to whom proper financial advice is invaluable.

Kaspersky Labs Asia Ltd: It’s a shield against cyber attack – a present and clear danger to us all. If you use the Internet, you should get to know Kaspersky.

Li Ka-Shing: The only person to be awarded in the publication – as opposed to a company. His generosity gets our salute.

Lutex: Two brothers carry on a tradition of care and kindness that begun when senior Mr Fung shared his meal with an old dying man in a trench as they hid in fear from Japanese bayonets.

Thornton Global Wealth Management: It’s a company that thinks like an investor. Its recent triumph is the setting up and maintaining of an internet-based platform that customers derive a wealth of benefits from.

Robertsons: A legal stalwart that prides itself on customer referrals. Robertsons is a serviced based company run by people who know the value of relationships.

BMI Appraisals: A promising company keen to usher in an era of ‘true value’.

Fei Fah: Dedicated to wellness and personal care, the brand is one to watch over the mid to long term.

Hong Kong’s Airport Authority: A miracle in its own right, Chek Lap Kok is unfolding into an airport city – something that will benefit Hong Kong and the world.

AIA Pension and Trustee Co Ltd: Peter Crewe is perhaps the most authoritative voice in retirement savings industry in Hong Kong. With a spotless record of conduct, character and performance Crewe is a true asset to the consumer, the industry and to Hong Kong.

Amadeus: If the airline industry needs a lift, which we strongly suspect it does, Amadeus may well be the wind under its wings.

Schmidt & Co: It is an innovative company that understands Hong Kong’s priorities and needs.

HSBC: It is the territory’s bank – what else need we say!

GlobalBest: A boutique financial services company that is showing promise. Every customer is a VIP and personalized service is a promise.

Loewe: Entrepreneur Keith Chan is one to watch. He brings to the table the best of both worlds – the finesses of Western tastes and the Chinese-ness crucial to success in Hong Kong. Approachable and street-savvy, Chan’s pragmatic view of business growth is the force that brought luxury brand Loewe (TVs) to Hong Kong.

Hong Yip Service Company Ltd: A market leader in quality of service and training of personnel.

SGS Hong Kong: If Hong Kong wants more on the global trade stage, it will find in SGS, an apt partner.

Stanton Chase: It’s simple. Ivo Hahn is the world’s best headhunter.

GfK Retail & Technology: Retail research is helping competitive companies earn more and beat back the competition. GfK is making a huge difference to the retail industry in the region.

Chopard: King of the road when it comes to luxury watches and jewelery, the brand is led by Roland Buser who has taken Chopard to the #1 spot.

NEC: Bringing total solutions to Hong Kong and the region, this Japanese company is changing the way we live – for the better.

Microworks: Another inspirational story of triumph of will and vision.

Nexusguard: Its presence here is a great relief to companies whose operations could grind to a total standstill under attack from cyber pirates.

Nu Skin: Our Wellness Champion of the Year is making huge in-roads into the anti-aging industry, bringing consumers a wealth of health benefits and making science work for us all.

3M: A leader of innovation the company is showing thoughtfulness through its investments in environment consciousness. We need more companies like 3M.

FunctionEight: Outsourcing IT was a misnomer until the arrival of this company on the scene. It is saving people and companies time, money and most important of all….. reputation.

Acts Interior Design: Few interior designers can relate to science as well as the talented Enoch Yeung.

Eisai: A Japanese giant that is making huge headway where it comes to critical patient support and disease management.

Majorlink: Customer interface technologies are here to stay thanks to this innovative developer.

B&W Group Asia Ltd: It is by far the most popular and widely lauded name in the luxury speakers industry in Hong Kong and now in China. A remarkable story because the brand has leaped over its competitors racing to #1 position all in record time.

Wan Corporate Services Ltd: We celebrate Vincent Wan who for more than 40 years, had championed the need for Hong Kong to adopt a holistic lifestyle.
JMS Group HK Ltd: An entrepreneur with a difference. He is one to watch on account of his belief in customer behavior and his ability to challenge himself in the interest of his markets.

JIA International: Winner of this year’s Editor’s Choice Award, the brand is a refreshing alternative, offering customers best of both worlds.

Natural Talent Club: Dr. Prof. Raymond Tung brings the power & philosophy of Chinese martial arts to corporate Hong Kong.

Plaza Premium Lounge: Often called the Merchant of Convenience, Song Hoi See is a true entrepreneur of Hong Kong taking innovative concepts to new heights. 

Siglo Accessory: Leader in design of contemporary and functional accessories Siglo is wining hearts in Hong Kong.

Swiss Chalet: Entrepreneur and chef Max Liechti keeps the flag of Switzerland flying high in Hong Kong. A success symbol in his own right he has shown that what can be imagined can be achieved.

All 48 companies in this year’s issue were hand picked by the MZG judges as they share one commonality – they all bring VALUE to the customer.

“In cash rich Hong Kong, it isn’t about price any more. It’s about value. Companies that are serious about reputation and growth need to be showcased and highlighted so discerning consumers can be made aware the value-based offerings available,” said Glenn Rogers, CEO of the MZG.

A bidding frenzy has begun for title sponsorship of the first round of Mediazone Group’s (MZG) Hong Kong’s Most Valuable Companies Annual Business Awards to be held early next year.

The Hong Kong-based publisher bowed to public demand last year when it issued a statement agreeing to the Awards but gave no indication of when and where the event may be held.

Speculation began in March this year when after the declaration of the Group’s annual results, CEO Glenn Rogers remarked that the Group’s 10th Anniversary presented an opportunity to be ‘a little more adventurous’.

Since then, asset management firms, insurance companies, banks and other finance related companies began bidding for title sponsorship to cash in on Mediazone Group’s high net worth client base – believed to comprise some of Hong Kong and China’s wealthiest individuals and institutions.

“Interest from large international finance houses illustrates the potential global players see in the Hong Kong market and the faith these leading corporations have in the Mediazone Group,” said Rogers.

MZG wishes to confirm that sponsorship offers have indeed come in and the Group is still accepting offers in Hong Kong but at this point is unable to reveal the names of the main contenders.

The base price is set at US$1.3 million for capital sponsorship and only bids in excess qualify. 

“We are being very careful with out choice of partners given the recent revelations of the financial industry,” Rogers said. “It’s not about the money. It is about credibility.”

Even as the North Atlantic Council (NAC) condemned the North Korean launch, using ballistic missile technology, Asia’s Foreign Policy think-tank Mediazone Group expressed hope that Pyongyang would embrace change, soon.

Concern is mounting over North Korea’s continuing development and proliferation of ballistic missiles, missile-related materials, equipment, and technology, the launch is seen as yet another step in the development of a North Korean long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1695 (2006) and 1718 (2006).

“Pyongyang’s action have long since posed a serious threat to the region and the international community at large and contributed to escalating tension in the region and the economic costs to itself have been crippling, to say the least,” said Glenn Rogers, CEO of global publisher and regional think-tank, Mediazone Group.

“A total and complete reversal of N. Korea’s economic situation is imperative and urgent. It can be achieved in record time when its leadership steps up to engage the world community on the platform of reason and respectability. The geopolitical climate is right for N. Korea to assert its role as peaceful people with the vision and spirit to lead the world community toward peaceful co-existence.”

“The French media’s coverage of the nation’s strike has created panic in various parts of Europe and particularly in Paris where people are expecting a breakdown in law and order,” said Glenn Rogers, CEO of Hong Kong-based Mediazone Group.

Despite the American government’s assurance to tax payers that the bailout of leading financial institutions was in their best interest, recent disclosure on how the money was squandered calls into question the U.S Government’s ability to discipline the finance industry, said Glenn Rogers, CEO of Hong Kong-based publishing house the Mediazone Group.

Companies that have abused the trust of shareholders, lost the faith of consumers and uncovered the incompetence of regulators are now being allowed to abuse the mercy of the tax payers and that is adding insult to injury – something that the U.S Government would have seen had it not comprised of the largest bunch of ‘yes men’ on the planet, said Rogers in a note to U.S President Obama, today.

“Fears that the whole financial system would collapse with the demise of these financial cowboys have proved unfounded. The consumer would be only too happy to cut losses than to go on losing hard earned money to help badly performing companies who continue to display irresponsibility and contempt for the consumer,” said Rogers.

He added that future bailouts should come ONLY on the back of clearly spelt out conditions and guidelines on the correct use of the funds and penalties for flaunting these guidelines ought to be just as clearly published.

“These companies have brought more pain than gain to the consumer and the world might be better off without them,” he concluded.

In a surprise move global publishing giant Mediazone Group announced last night (New York time) that its Recession Relief & Rescue (RRR) 3-week intensive training workshop for corporations earlier scheduled to open in Spain in June this year, will now be held in Hong Kong.

Bookings from Europe will be honoured or full refunds will be provided, the Group announced in a communiqué that also denied any political pressure that is suspected to have brought about the sudden change.

The exclusive workshop is specially tailored by key industry personnel and promises to provide unusual insights into the worsening global recession, while providing practical solutions to force recovery.

The workshop offers 100 seats awarded by free and fair allocation processes and the bidding is expected to begin in Hong Kong on March 16, 2009. 

Increasing the number of seats is NOT an option, said the Group’s CEO in Sydney. “The effectiveness of the workshops depends on how proactive the attendees are.”

CHOPARD becomes the only global luxury goods company to make it to the globally recognized list titled Hong Kong’s Most Valuable Companies, for 2009. The list released annually features the region’s most proactive companies serving key industries including banking and finance, human resources, management, luxury goods, infrastructure, transport, tourism and telecom.

Companies are handpicked annually, by the Publisher’s Board, from thousands of applicants and showcased in a magazine-style book titled Hong Kong’s Most Valuable Companies received and read by the who’s who in the region’s business circles.

This year’s issue features China’s President Hu Jintao as Man of the Year citing his handling of the Sichuan earthquake and the Beijing Olympics as main reasons. His shaping of the country’s policies and reform being just as central.

Creativity dominated the central theme – innovation -- this year. Interestingly, chosen companies speak about overcoming adversity and challenging themselves to excel against all odds. All interviews were conducted before first news of the global economic tsunami, indicating these companies were always prepared.

Speaking at the release of the book in Hong Kong, Mediazone’s President and C.E.O,
Glenn Rogers said: “Veterans like travel retailer Nuance-Watson will continue to show leadership in these hard times. Their investment in best-business-practices will yield profit as they combine ingenuity and pragmatism to cope with the global economic tsunami sweeping the financial world.

“For companies like global head hunter Stanton Chase and ConnectedGroup, the challenges will now go beyond the supply of human talent. As unemployment braces for a new surge, global head hunters will need to look at hitherto uncharted waters to secure unconventional talent that major corporations will now demand. Quality will take centre-stage like never before and the global financial turmoil will claim many from the global head hunting industry.

“Companies like Metrojet have built solid bases on which their private jet services stand. These include services like maintenance and spare part supplies. Led by a most market-savvy management, Metrojet will not only survive the economic storms but will grow stronger because of it.

“Network marketing global giant NuSkin Enterprises will profit from the economic disaster. Word-of-mouth advertising, quality products and reasonable pricing will save it from the fury of the economic storms that the general retail industry may not escape. The Far East will remain its major growth area not least because of its president in Hong Kong.

“Independent financial consultants like Altruist, Nobel Apex, AMG, Thornton Global, GIA may brace for a more demanding market as increasingly skeptical consumers grow concerned about uncertainty.

“Companies selling high-end electronic/electrical goods like YCY Holdings and B&W will do well to secure more strategic ties with large-scale buyers like property developers to ensure volume sales. Profits are expected to be slim as retail sales may remain sluggish at least for the high-end range.

“Innovators like Pro Aqua Asia will do well in spite of the retail mood because products promise and deliver what consumers want and need – the health advantage. Growth for security companies like Hong Yip will rest on the management’s vision for expansion largely but customer service will remain a key factor in the drive to retain customers and acquire more market share.”

Speaking in general terms of the finance industry, he urged Asian markets to stay cautious. He urged the global finance industry to pay more attention to ethics in business and hoped aloud that risk would henceforth be viewed with due diligence.

Property and gold were cited as options in the current atmosphere. In a message to the youth who remain concerned about employment prospects Rogers urged them to adopt an entrepreneurial view saying, “don’t wait for opportunity. Go out there and be the opportunity.”

Noting that the Board had downgraded India and Malaysia (for exports) this year in favour of China and Taiwan, he said that this did not mean less growth, but it was merely an indication of a drop in customer confidence. He also noted that the current economic climate was just as much to blame.

As if to coincide with the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Beijing, Asia’s most influential media host Glenn Rogers announced the business community’s support for Barack Obama!

Speaking to newsmen he said, “as China raises the curtain on the Olympics thus signaling its entry into a new era, so too America may do well to elect Barack Obama to the office of the President of the United States.”

The announcement comes on the back of the recently released results of Mediazone's Asia-wide business community poll in which Barack Obama emerged as the preferred choice. 

“For too long talent in America hasn’t enjoyed true freedom and people of colour in America and abroad still unfortunately face the colour bar. Obama’s election to the most powerful office in the world will be a victory for equality, in this respect,” Rogers said in a rare departure from policy that prevents the high profile media personality from commenting on politics.

Media workshops that Mediazone Ltd has conducted for students and young professionals globally have thrown up questions about the colour bar making it the number one concern amidst coloured people about to enter or just entering the mainstream workforce.

“Americans might want to make a fresh beginning signaling to the world an end of an era and the beginning of a brand new chapter of progress and change,” said Rogers at Mediazone's headquarters in Hong Kong.

“Collateral Damage, No Excuse for Poor Statesmanship” Rogers Report Tells Putin. 

Asia’s most influential media host denounced last night the Russian decision to recognize Georgian break-away republics Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent.

He noted, the Russian decision to recognize the Georgian break-away republics, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as independent, directly contradicts the very principle of Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as recognized by the United Nations and confirmed in the Helsinki Final Act.

Urging Europe and America to support Georgia’s territorial integrity and respect for its borders, he expressed disappointment with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to whom he has written, in connection with the Georgian issue early June, 2008. 

He stressed, the European Council in Brussels might do well to take issue with Russia on this matter in the interest of preventing further bloodshed which would negatively impact Russia’s own economic progress.

“As a member of the UN Security Council, Russia must be made to explain its current behaviour with the decency we expect of a developed country. Such behaviour is also a violation of international law. That aside, the whole Russia-Georgia issue has been a disaster for business plans poised to pour in billions of dollars from Asia and the Middle East.”

Making these comments in his capacity as head of regional publisher and the widely recognized think tank MZ RESEARCH, Rogers cited the Russia-Georgia issue as critical and called on the Kremlin to tread carefully.

“Lives have already been lost and collateral damage is no excuse for poor statesmanship,” he noted.

Rogers is a huge fan of Russian culture, art and I widely considered a friend of Russia. His observations therefore carry special significance to the issue.