Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board welcomes Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and Policy Address
******************************************************************************************
The Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board (HKMPDB) welcomes the measures to promote the development of the maritime and port industries set out in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026–2030) (Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan) and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address (Policy Address) announced subsequently by the Government today (September 16). The Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan is a forward-looking, strategic and directional guiding document which sets out the overarching framework for the city's economic and social development over the next five years. The Policy Address, meanwhile, sets out the annual policy priorities for implementing the Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan. The two documents are interconnected and inextricably related. Amid profound changes in the international geopolitical and trade landscape, the measures on maritime and port development set out in the two important policy documents will help the industry capture new opportunities and sharpen its competitiveness, injecting fresh impetus into the long-term development of Hong Kong as an international maritime centre.
The Chairman of the HKMPDB, Dr Moses Cheng, said, "We are pleased to see that the Government has, with a forward-looking vision, put forward proactive and pragmatic policy measures in response to the industry's needs, driving the comprehensive upgrade and transformation of Hong Kong Port from volume-based to value-driven development, thereby developing Hong Kong into a global maritime capital."
The HKMPDB is particularly encouraged by the Government's series of new initiatives supporting the green transformation of the maritime industry, including the announcement within this year of the first "Green Energy Corridor" to be established with a Chinese Mainland city. On strengthening the ecosystem of high value-added maritime services, the Government will revamp Hong Kong's ship registration regime, including the introduction of a dual registration arrangement, and will work jointly with the HKMPDB and the industry to explore viable proposals for the synergy of financial and maritime services, with a particular focus on marine insurance and ship finance. In addition, the HKMPDB supports the Government to collaborate with port operators in formulating a roadmap for the smart and green transformation of the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals, promoting the development of Hong Kong into a green and smart port; and at the same time deeply participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area port cluster, promoting efficient collaboration among ports in the region. Meanwhile, the HKMPDB welcomes the Government's further leveraging of the strategic value of the Port Community System to develop offshore trade cargo tracking with blockchain technology, ensuring the industry stays at the forefront of digital transformation.
Looking ahead, the HKMPDB looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with the Government to promote the further development of Hong Kong's maritime sector. Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address set a clear direction for the development of Hong Kong's maritime and port industries. The HKMPDB will continue to help ensure that various measures are effectively implemented, working hand in hand with the industry to break new ground and further enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international maritime centre.
Ends/Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:47
Issued at HKT 19:47
NNNN