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The Maritime Awareness Week (MAW), jointly organised by the Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association with the support from various maritime-related organisations to recognise the substantial contribution of the maritime industry to our economy and to pay tribute to seafarers, was officially opened by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Henry Tang, today (October 25).
The activities to be held during the MAW include seminars on topical maritime issues for industry players, career talks for secondary school and university students, celebration of the International Maritime Organisation's Year of the Seafarer, a business luncheon to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the autonomous Hong Kong Shipping Registry, and the first-ever Open Day of the Government Dockyard.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Tang said, "We will capitalise on our unique institutional strengths including the rule of law, status as a free port, a simple and low tax regime, free flow of information and capital, and our world-class and truly integrated maritime-related services."
He said that the MAW was a collective attempt to celebrate the achievements of seafarers and to illustrate to the younger generation the diversified maritime career opportunities both at sea and ashore.
Other officiating guests at today's MAW opening ceremony were Secretary for Transport and Housing Ms Eva Cheng, Legislative Councillor for the transport functional constituency Ms Miriam Lau, Hong Kong Shipowners Association Chairman Mr Kenneth Koo, and Director of Marine Mr Roger Tupper.
The opening ceremony was attended by some 300 guests including leaders of the maritime sector and senior representatives of related industries as well as consuls-general in Hong Kong.
MAW represents a joint Government and industry effort, comprising the support of the Marine Department, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong Institute of Marine Technology, Hong Kong Joint Branch of RINA and IMarEST, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Hong Kong Seamen's Union, Institute of Seatransport, Nautical Institute, Hong Kong Branch, Sailors' Home and Missions to Seamen and Women's International Shipping and Trading (HK) Association.
For details of the MAW activities to be held during the week of October 25, 2010, please visit www.maritimeawarenessweek.org.hk.
Ends/Monday, October 25, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:09
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