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Report on Consultancy Study on Enhancing Hong Kong's Position as an International Maritime Centre released
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council:

     The report on the Consultancy Study on Enhancing Hong Kong's Position as an International Maritime Centre, commissioned by the Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council (MIC), was released today (April 16). It recognises that Hong Kong has the potential to bring together a diversity of high value-added maritime services, and further become the preferred base in Asia for international maritime business. The study recommends that a new statutory maritime body be set up in Hong Kong to consolidate the efforts of the Government and the industry to bring maritime services development to a new phase.

     The consultancy study has explored ways to enhance Hong Kong's position as an international maritime centre (IMC) and proposes a strategic development blueprint for Hong Kong to reinforce and maintain its position as an IMC amid competition in the region.

     As highlighted by the study, Hong Kong is well-positioned to serve as a springboard for Mainland maritime companies to "go global", as well as to provide services for overseas enterprises to extend into the Mainland market, thereby becoming an important IMC for the Mainland China and the Asia Pacific region.

     The study also points out that Hong Kong has advantages in developing high value-added maritime services, including ship registration, management, finance, marine insurance, law and maritime arbitration. There is, however, a need to strengthen its institutional set-up and dedicate human resources to drive more proactively the industry development.

     The consultant recommends that the Government set up a new statutory maritime body. By enhancing the institutional set-up, efforts of the Government and the industry will be brought together in the implementation of policy initiatives for propelling the long-term development of the maritime industry in Hong Kong. It will also undertake policy research and promote Hong Kong's professional maritime services, with a view to strengthening Hong Kong's role as a regional maritime hub.

     "The industry in general supports the consultant's recommendation. In order to drive the development of the maritime industry in a more holistic way, the Government is following up on the recommendation and will study in detail the structure, functions, mode of operation and funding arrangements of the new statutory maritime body. We will consult the industry and the Legislative Council when appropriate," a spokesman said.

     The full report and the executive summary of the consultancy study are now available at the MIC's website (www.mic.gov.hk).

Ends/Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:15

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