CNN's first web site to be produced and edited from Asia launched on Tuesday. CNN.com Asia features in-depth stories from across the Asia Pacific and top world news stories that impact on the region. Using the latest technology, the site will also feature multi-media elements to bring more news from the region to online users.

"This new Asian web site is an integral part of CNN's global strategy to offer consumers more regionally relevant news content on television and the web. Our Hong Kong production centre is pioneering the way for CNN's worldwide vision for a more integrated news service, capitalising on the potential of media convergence," said Chris Cramer, president CNN international networks.

An extra 30 international journalists are now employed to work out of CNN's integrated newsroom in Hong Kong, with the regional headquarters now consisting of a total of 85 television and web journalists.

The new site offers a comprehensive and focused service for Internet users in Asia and those wanting to know more about the region. CNN.com Asia includes five main sections: Australia/Pacific, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia, South East Asia plus special sections on business, technology, weather and travel.

CNN.com Asia is the second English-language site developed by CNN.com specifically for the international market; the online news provider launched a European version in September 2000. CNN.com also operates eight local-language news sites and two local-language headline news services, including Japanese (CNN.co.jp), Chinese (CNN.com/Chinese) and Korean (CNN.com/Korean).