Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board convenes first meeting (with photo)
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The Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board (HKMPDB) held its first meeting today (July 29). Members were briefed on experts' analysis of the latest developments in Hong Kong's port and maritime industry and discussed the strategy for positioning Hong Kong as an international maritime centre under the current geopolitical situation. With the target of developing Hong Kong into a "global maritime capital", the HKMPDB worked to formulate a more outgoing and comprehensive Mainland and overseas promotional plan, and identify key research areas for relevant committees to commence studies in the near term.
The Chairman of the HKMPDB, Dr Moses Cheng said, "At today's meeting, members responded to the Government's call for adopting an innovative spirit and global perspective in exploring directions for consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international maritime centre, and setting out the key priorities for promotion and research. The HKMPDB will adopt a high-level and broad vision, complemented by actions as its core, to lead the four committees in taking forward various tasks with a view to bringing new vitality to the industry's development."
During the meeting, members of the HKMPDB were briefed by the Shipping Research Centre of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on the current situation, strengths, challenges, and opportunities of key segments within the Hong Kong international maritime centre (including port, high value-added maritime services, and the Hong Kong Shipping Registry). Members agreed that in the light of rising protectionism and complex geopolitics, Hong Kong should strive to develop the port industry and high value-added maritime services as its dual pillars, and establish itself as a safe harbour for international shipping enterprises in decision-making, transactions, innovation, financing, risk management, and dispute resolution.
As regards the strategies for Mainland and overseas promotional work, the HKMPDB will adopt a more proactive and comprehensive approach. In addition to regular visits to key maritime regions, new arrangements will be introduced to support members to go global to participate in prominent Mainland and overseas events by delivering speeches and telling good Hong Kong maritime stories. Other key initiatives include deepening engagement and collaboration with influential international organisations, and continuing to attract international maritime organisations to hold conferences in Hong Kong. The meeting also identified priority research areas for the four committees which suitably echoed with the Government's policy priorities.
Lastly, members noted that the Transport and Logistics Bureau, in collaboration with three maritime arbitration institutions in Hong Kong, has been producing a promotional leaflet that clearly and practically explains the procedural steps to be taken by shipowners, charterers, or cargo owners before signing contracts for vessel chartering in choosing Hong Kong as the arbitration venue for maritime disputes. The leaflet will be distributed to relevant shipping enterprises and stakeholders in August and will also be uploaded to the HKMPDB website.
The Secretary for Transport and Logistics and member of the HKMPDB, Ms Mable Chan, said, "The Country supports Hong Kong's strategic positioning as an international maritime centre. Driving forward the enhancement of quantity and quality of the Hong Kong Port; identifying new growth points for high value-added maritime services; deepening international engagement to elevate Hong Kong's global influence; and establishing a talent pool in light of industry trends such as green transformation, are currently pivotal issues for Hong Kong's maritime industry. The HKMPDB is charting its future work along these directions and has put forward various constructive suggestions. The Government will continue to collaborate with the industry in advancing high quality development of the industry together."
The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that the HKMPDB will be established as a high-level advisory body to assist the Government in formulating policies for advancing the development of Hong Kong's maritime industry. The Government announced the membership of the HKMPDB and its four committees (namely the Port Development Committee, the Maritime Services Development Committee, the Promotion and External Relations Committee, and the Manpower Development Committee) in June this year. The HKMPDB successfully held its first meeting today, and the respective committees will convene their meetings over the next two months.
Ends/Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:30
Issued at HKT 20:30
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