Hong Kong promoted as world shipping centre

A high-level delegation is in Greece to promote Hong Kong as an international maritime centre in Asia and to update global ship owners and maritime related companies the advantages of establishing businesses in, and with, Hong Kong.

The delegation is led by the Secretary for Economic Services, Ms Sandra Lee, and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Port and Maritime Board (PMB), Sir Gordon Wu. The visit is in support of the 'Hong Kong Pavilion' at of one of the world's biggest shipping exhibitions, Posidonia 2002 in Piraeus.

Other members include the Chairman of PMB's Shipping Committee, Mr Frank Tsao; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, Mr Koo Kou Hwa; the Chairman of the Shipping Registry Sub-Committee, Mr Liang Ming-hang; and the Director of Marine, Mr Tsui Shung-yiu.

Their programme begins tomorrow (June 3) and includes a meeting with the Greek Minister of Mercantile Marine, Mr George Anomeritis, to exchange views and to discuss the development of closer links between Hong Kong and Greece on shipping issues.

The delegation will also meet with Greek shipowners and shipping related communities to update them on the latest developments in maritime services and the excellent business environment in Hong Kong.

They will visit the 'Hong Kong Pavilion' to help promote Hong Kong to visitors and delegates from all over the world.

The pavilion has been jointly organised by the Hong Kong Port and Maritime Board, the Marine Department and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. It is designed to convey to the international shipping community Hong Kong's competitive edge as a provider and facilitator of shipping services in the region.

The pavilion not only showcases the comprehensive range of maritime services available, but features Hong Kong's business-friendly environment and facilities which make the city the ideal regional base for ship owning, management, finance, insurance and ship broking activities.

Exhibitors taking part are China National Foreign Trade Transportation (Group) Corporation - SINOTRANS; Cosco (HK)Shipping Co. Ltd; Credit Agricole Indosuez; Eurasia Group of Companies; Hong Kong Container Terminal Operators Association Limited; Hong Kong Shipowners Association; Hong Kong Shippers' Council; HUD Group; IMC Holdings Ltd; Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd; River Trade Terminal Co. Ltd; South China Towing company Limited; Wallem Group Ltd; and Wayfoong Shipping Services.

Posidonia 2002, the 18th biennial International Shipping Exhibition, has attracted over 1,500 exhibitors from some 70 countries. As one of the biggest shipping exhibitions on the world maritime calendar, Posidonia provides excellent business opportunities for every sector of the global maritime industry.

Hong Kong Port and Maritime Board

Ends/Sunday, June 2, 2002