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The Logistics Hong Kong International Conference and Exhibition, the first international logistics event staged by the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council (LOGSCOUNCIL) to showcase its logistics strengths and unique role as the gateway to China, is launched at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (May 18).

LOGSCOUNCIL works in partnership with Informa Maritime and Transport, an international event organiser, to stage the three-day Logistics Hong Kong event. The Secretary for Economic Development and Labour and the Chairman of LOGSCOUNCIL, Mr Stephen Ip, said the event provided a forum to explore ways to consolidate Hong Kong's role as a leading global logistics centre and to reap benefits from new business opportunities offered in the Mainland.

Speaking at the Gala Dinner to welcome the conference participants and exhibitors, Mr Ip said the Mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) had provided added impetus to Hong Kong's logistics development by opening up new and unprecedented opportunities for Hong Kong logistics companies.

"CEPA gives Hong Kong service providers access into the Mainland market in 18 service sectors, including logistics, transport, freight forwarding and storage/warehousing services. Since China has not made any World Trade Organisation (WTO) commitments in logistics and maritime transport services, Hong Kong companies in these sectors will enjoy unique advantages over their foreign counterparts," Mr Ip said.

He said service integration and information connectivity were crucial to the success of modern logistics hubs, and Hong Kong would boost its capability in providing one-stop integrated logistics services.

"We have identified a site close to the airport for the development of a Value-Added Logistics Park. We are also developing a Digital Trade and Transportation Network System (DTTN) to provide a neutral and secure interface for logistics players in the supply chain to exchange information and data and are planning to launch the DTTN in 2005," he said.

He told the delegates that Hong Kong's container port had retained its title as the world's busiest for the 11th time in the past 12 years with a total throughput of 20.4 million TEUs handled in 2003 and the Hong Kong International Airport had been the world's busiest cargo airport since its opening in 1998. The airport was also voted Cargo Airport of the Year for the past two years.

Ends/Tuesday, May 18, 2004

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