USTL leads delegation to visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain (with photos)

     The Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, led a delegation of over 10 members from the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board (HKMPB) and the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council (LOGSCOUNCIL), and representatives from the Marine Department and Invest Hong Kong, for a five-day visit to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain, to promote Hong Kong's advantages and opportunities as an international maritime and logistics hub.

     Mr Liu and members of the HKMPB started their visit to Dubai and Abu Dhabi on December 9 (Dubai time) and December 10 (Abu Dhabi time), during which they met with representatives of various shipping companies, port operators and maritime organisations to introduce Hong Kong's development of high value-added maritime services, green shipping and the exploration of introducing tax concessions for commodity trading, the enhanced services of the Hong Kong Shipping Registry, as well as business opportunities for shipping companies to establish and expand their business in Hong Kong. The delegation also visited Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi to gain an understanding of the operation of the local port.

     The delegation also introduced to the representatives of a local arbitration centre the uniqueness of Hong Kong as a common law jurisdiction and the benefits of being one of the four arbitration venues designated by the Baltic and International Maritime Council, facilitating an exchange of talent and co-operation between the two sides. Mr Liu and the delegation also paid a call to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the UAE, Mr Zhang Yiming, and briefed him on Hong Kong's development directions for the port and maritime sectors.

     Mr Liu said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continuously co-operate with the industry to showcase Hong Kong's maritime strengths and expand its network with a view to developing Hong Kong as a world-leading international maritime centre.

     Members of the LOGSCOUNCIL joined the delegation today (December 11, Dubai time) to continue with the visit to Dubai and Bahrain.