Hong Kong Plans to Add High-Value Maritime Services
In his annual policy address to the Hong Kong SAR Legislative Council, Chief Executive C Y Leung pledged that the Government would continue to improve port facilities and enhance the efficiency of port operations, thereby seizing the opportunities brought by the growth of trade in the Mainland and Asia. The following is extracted from Mr Leung's speech:
"The logistics industry has flourished in recent years. Ten hectares of land have been set aside in Tuen Mun West for logistics use. Land will also be earmarked in new development areas for the construction of modern logistics facilities.
High Value-added Maritime Services
Hong Kong enjoys a competitive edge in developing quality and international maritime services, such as ship registration, management and broking, shipping agency, ship finance, maritime insurance, legal and arbitration services.
The consultancy study on Enhancing Hong Kong's Position as an International Maritime Centre has been completed. The study concluded that Hong Kong is well positioned to develop high value-added maritime services.
It also proposed setting up a new statutory maritime body. In the coming year, the Government will work out the specific functions, structure and funding of the proposed new body and consult the industry. We will then take forward the necessary legislative procedures as soon as possible."
Source: Hong Kong SAR Government News Service