The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, who is also the Chairman of the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board (HKMPB), led a delegation of HKMPB members to Hamburg, Germany, to promote Hong Kong as an international maritime centre to the international maritime community.
Mr Lam and the delegation started their three-day visit to Hamburg on September 2 (Hamburg time) and met with a number of industry players, including the Hamburg Port Authority, major shipping liners, logistics companies and shipowners' association, to explain the strategic position of the Hong Kong international maritime centre as the "super connector" between Mainland China and the global markets, and how its high value-added maritime services can contribute to global maritime business. They also toured port facilities and learned about the smart and green features of the German terminals.
One of the highlights of this visit was the delegation's participation in the Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology (SMM) trade fair 2024 in Hamburg, where Mr Lam gave a speech at a speaking session to update the international maritime community on the latest developments of Hong Kong's maritime industry on September 3 (Hamburg time). He also joined a panel discussion on the same day and shared his insights on energy transition in global transport and logistics with the audience.
"On the maritime front, efficiency and connectivity are the two keywords for which Hong Kong is renowned. We have a free port with efficient customs clearance and strong international connectivity, featuring over 300 container vessel sailings each week to nearly 500 destinations worldwide. As a world-class and service-oriented economy, Hong Kong boasts a vibrant maritime services cluster comprising more than 1 100 companies that provide shipping and maritime business services. We also benefit from the unique institutional advantages provided under the 'one country, two systems' and serve as a springboard into the China market. These all contribute to our comprehensive maritime business capabilities, ranking us among the top four world's leading shipping centres, according to the recently released 2024 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report," Mr Lam said during the speaking session.
"Hong Kong as a free port is prone to external influences. We acknowledge the situation and believe challenges also entail opportunities. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced the Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy last December to enhance port competitiveness, strengthen high value-added maritime services and enhance promotion of the Hong Kong maritime brand and grooming talent. While challenges abound, Hong Kong has ridden the wave of adversity time and again, emerging stronger and more resilient," he added.
The SMM is one of the world's leading trade fairs and conferences for the maritime industry, with over 40 000 visitors and 2 000 exhibitors from all over the world, including companies from Hong Kong and Mainland China.
Mr Lam hosted a networking lunch for around 20 representatives from various German maritime enterprises and organisations yesterday (September 4, Hamburg time) to create closer relationships and explore more business opportunities. Mr Lam also had a media interview with a German media organisation to tell the strengths of the Hong Kong maritime industry. The delegation then paid a courtesy visit to the Chinese Consul General in Hamburg, Mr Cong Wu, to brief him on the latest developments of the Hong Kong maritime industry.
The delegation concluded their visit to Hamburg and will arrive in Athens, Greece, this afternoon (September 5, Athens time).
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