The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, visited the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals (KTCT) this afternoon (July 19) to understand the operation of the terminals and to listen to industry views on promoting the development of the maritime and logistics industry in Hong Kong.
      
     The Hong Kong Container Terminal Operators Association arranged for Mr Lam to meet with representatives of the operators of the KTCT and visit the container yard, an operation centre for remote-control cranes operation and a training centre.
      
     "Hong Kong is one of the busiest container ports in the world and has always been renowned for its efficiency. I am glad to learn that the operators have been actively investing in resources over the years to introduce modern management, advanced computer equipment and information technology systems to enhance productivity as well as improve the working environment and industrial safety," Mr Lam said.
      
     "The Government is committed to consolidating and strengthening Hong Kong's position as an international maritime centre and an important transshipment hub in the Asia-Pacific region through various measures. The Government is actively promoting the development of a smart and green port to enhance the international competitiveness of the port of Hong Kong. In addition, the Government has also implemented a number of measures to promote the development of high value-added maritime services, including introducing tax concessions to attract members of the maritime industry to establish a business presence in Hong Kong and expanding the overseas service network of the Hong Kong Shipping Registry. The Government will continue to work hand in hand with the trade to fully seize the immense opportunities arising from the 14th Five-Year Plan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development," he added.
      
     He also stressed that the Government fully understands that, under the fifth wave of the epidemic, cross-boundary logistics and the supply chain between Guangdong and Hong Kong had been interrupted, which had affected Hong Kong's cargo transshipment. The Government has been following up closely with the Mainland authorities to promote and implement various measures conducive to safeguarding and optimising the cross-boundary flow of goods, including enhancing the capacity of water transportation service, with a view to minimising the impact of the epidemic on cargo transshipment.
      
     With its geographical advantage and the concerted efforts of the Government and the industry, Hong Kong has been ranked among the top 10 container ports in the world for over 30 years, providing a high frequency of sailings and service coverage. Currently, the port of Hong Kong is served by approximately 270 international container vessel sailings per week, connecting to nearly 600 destinations worldwide. This, coupled with the first-class airport and land boundary crossings and transport facilities, makes the port of Hong Kong a regional hub with an extensive service network.

Ends/Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:36

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