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The Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport), Francis Ho, today (October 26) delivered the opening address at a one-day seminar covering the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, China oil pollution regulations and maritime security.
The seminar, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, the Hong Kong Seamen's Union and the Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council, forms part of Maritime Awareness Week, which is taking place in Hong Kong from October 25 to October 31.
In his speech, Mr Ho said that the maritime industry had long underpinned the world's economic development and that the three topics of the seminar, namely the well-being of seafarers, marine pollution and piracy, were all of major concern to the long-term development of the maritime industry.
Mr Ho said that as a renowned international maritime centre, Hong Kong would continue to be a responsible maritime "citizen" and fulfill its international responsibilities.
Maritime Awareness Week (MAW) is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, with support from various maritime-related organisations. The conference seeks to highlight the substantial contribution made by the maritime industry to Hong Kong's economy, and to encourage the younger generation to take up one of the many career opportunities that the industry offers at sea and ashore, as well as to pay tribute to seafarers.
About 200 participants from the industry and related training institutions attended today's seminar, which featured speakers from the Marine Department, the Chinese Ministry of Transport, the Shanghai Maritime University, the China Shipowners' Association, the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, the Hong Kong Seamen's Union, the Chinese Seamen's Union, and ship management, marine insurance and pollution clearance companies.
Ends/Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:08
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