Speech by SEDL at Logistics Awards Hong Kong 2005 Presentation Luncheon (English only)
**************************************************

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, at Logistics Awards Hong Kong 2005 Presentation Luncheon at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (November 23) (English only):

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to today・s luncheon sponsored by the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council. And my pleasure is doubled on this occasion because it is an event to honour the best performers in our logistics industry; and a time to celebrate our endless quest for service excellence.

As one of the four pillars of Hong Kong・s economy, our logistics industry provides employment for some 190,000 people and accounts for nearly 5% of GDP. By providing high-quality, reliable and cost-effective services to our trading sector, the logistics industry helps ensure a seamless flow along the supply chain, and contributes to Hong Kong・s overall drive to move up the value ladder.

Globalisation and regional competition have heightened customers・ expectation of hassle-free logistics flow and underlined the need to develop total logistics solutions. Against this background, the Government is committed to strengthening Hong Kong・s logistics competitiveness in close partnership with the industry. In the face of fierce competition, it is more important now than ever for Hong Kong to find its market niche. To differentiate Hong Kong from other competitors in the region, we must excel in service reliability and quality. Certainly we cannot compete on cost alone. The Logistics Awards Hong Kong 2005 gives recognition to enterprises and practitioners who explore and adopt innovative management and IT solutions, promote professionalism, and invest in human resource development. By rewarding those who have excelled in these areas, we hope to encourage more to follow in their footsteps.

This is the first local award scheme for the logistics industry, brought about collectively by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics, the Hong Kong Logistics Association, the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. I thank all the organisers for their efforts and vision. This Award demonstrates the industry・s determination to achieve service excellence. It is also a shining example of industry collaboration.

Ladies and gentlemen, today・s list of award recipients includes not only well-known multi-national service providers, but also local small and medium-sized enterprises and budding young logistics practitioners. In my view, this demonstrates that our logistics industry is a robust and ever-growing business that attracts both international corporations and local talent. Common to their success and achievements is an unfailing commitment to quality service, innovation and professionalism.

To complement the industry・s pursuit of service excellence and to sharpen our competitive edge, the Digital Trade and Transportation Network System will be launched next month to provide a common e-platform for reliable and efficient data exchange. More resources have been provided for the research and development of logistics-enabling RFID technologies, with enhanced industry participation. In parallel, the Government is also engaging the Guangdong authorities in a continuing dialogue to identify and implement measures to facilitate cross-boundary freight flow and reduce costs. Equally important is an effective public-private partnership in promoting professional and service excellence. This explains the involvement of the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council as both co-organiser of the Logistics Awards and sponsor of today・s luncheon.

I would like to congratulate all the award recipients for their achievements, and encourage our logistics industry to keep up its relentless pursuit of service excellence.

Thank you very much.

Ends/Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Issued at HKT 14:22

NNNN