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The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, started the third leg of his visit to Central Europe in Dusseldorf, Germany, by touring the Port of Duisburg this afternoon (September 24, Dusseldorf time).
The Port of Duisburg is the world's largest inland port and one of the most important tri-modal (water, railway and road) logistics hub of the region. It is optimally located at the heart of Europe and directly on the Rhine, Europe's most important waterway, and is within the proximity of Dusseldorf Airport. It is also the final destination of the Yuxinou (Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe) freight railway. Launched in 2011, the freight railway takes 16 days to reach Duisburg from Chongqing, compared to 36 days by container vessel. Mr Tsang and the Hong Kong business delegation met with the President of Duisport, Mr Erich Staake, to gain a deeper understanding of the business opportunities brought by these logistics developments.
Noting that the Port of Duisburg is situated at a strategic position along the "Belt and Road" route, Mr Tsang said there are tremendous opportunities for development and co-operation.
"Hong Kong's traditional pillar industries, such as trading and logistics, financial services, professional services and tourism, have clear advantages internationally. Hong Kong can actively take part in building the 'Belt and Road' as a supporter, a facilitating platform and a fund raising and financial management hub," he added.
Mr Tsang will attend a dinner in celebration of the launch of direct passenger flight services between Hong Kong and Dusseldorf later in the evening.
Tomorrow (September 25, Dusseldorf time), Mr Tsang will attend a business seminar and a business luncheon in Dusseldorf on the business opportunities under the Belt and Road initiative before moving on to Frankfurt where he will meet with local business leaders.
Ends/Thursday, September 24, 2015
Issued at HKT 22:13
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