Hong Kong-China/Foreign Media Giants/Disney

CNN Money: For Disney, it's a small world after all, A new Hong Kong resort could give Walt Disney a foothold in the lucrative Chinese market

"Disney's expansion into the lucrative Chinese market could give the company a leg up on its competitors, some say. "This raises awareness and gives Disney a physical presence in China," said Laura Martin, an analyst with independent research firm Soleil – Media Metrics. "It is a great beachhead for promoting the Disney brand."

"To that end, Martin thinks that the most important role of the park will be in creating more interest in Disney's vast library of movies and other products tied to its stable of cartoon characters. And during Disney's fiscal third-quarter earnings conference call with analysts last month, Iger stressed how important it is for Disney to establish a foothold in China."

"Growing up in United States in the 50s, I remember how Disneyland was a beacon to many of Americans and it still is. I firmly believe Hong Kong Disneyland will similarly be a beacon to millions of people in Hong Kong, mainland China, and throughout southeast Asia. It should stimulate great interest in Disney, and provide a dependable growth platform in that region of the world," he said.

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