Hong Kong to enhance trade and logistics with new action plan

Strategy aims for greener, smarter port development.

Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau has unveiled a comprehensive Modern Logistics Development Action Plan aimed at establishing itself as a leading global shipping centre.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Lam Sai Hung, said that the initiative is aimed at creating an eco-friendly port, enhancing high-value maritime services, and attracting top talent to bolster the city's position on the global stage.

Among the key initiatives is the development of a green and smart port, with the government set to explore the feasibility of providing green methanol and other clean energy refuelling facilities for both local and ocean-going vessels. 

The action plan also targets strengthening ties with Singapore, identified as a pivotal partner in Hong Kong's "internalisation" strategy. Lam highlighted the close trade relationship between Hong Kong and Singapore, noting the potential for collaboration to enhance logistics and trade.

"These two logistic hubs, we should have a close relationship, and there will be collaboration, so that we can when we add together you know, the logistic and all the trade would be and this is the opportunity in front of us," he remarked.

Drawing inspiration from Singapore's advancements in logistics and trade, Hong Kong aims to emulate and adapt successful practices, particularly in the development of wind ports and smart ports. 

"We are now picking up our steps. We are now developing digitised port communication systems so that apart from the port activities, the upstream and downstream activities, they are linked together so that the information flow can be more transparent so that we can achieve the efficiency and enhance our competitiveness," Lam elaborated.

Knowledge exchange and expertise-sharing between Hong Kong and Singapore in the logistics and trade sectors are viewed as foundational for collaborative growth. Despite the absence of a definitive mechanism for information sharing, Lam sees significant potential for mutual benefits. 

"I think we have ample opportunities that Singapore and Hong Kong can work together," he expressed, emphasising the presence of Hong Kong professionals in Singapore's logistics sector as a testament to the close ties between the two regions.