BRS plans to increase its scope in China by recruiting brokers for a new office in Hong Kong as part of its continuing global expansion.

The Paris-headquartered group told TradeWinds it is also close to finalising a deal to take on the broking team of Colombia’s Amazonas Shipping and will open an office in Vietnam within a month.

BRS’ existing 19-office network already includes Beijing and Shanghai but chief executive Francois Cadiou said Hong Kong offers various other shipowning companies and traders and remains a gateway to China.