Hong Kong Maritime Ports Development Council: Measures relating to two important policy documents inject new impetus into the long-term development of the Hong Kong International Shipping Centre

The Zhitong Finance App learned that on September 16, the Hong Kong Shipping and Port Development Council welcomed a series of measures to promote the development of the shipping and port industries in the “Hong Kong First Five-Year Plan” and “Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address” announced by the HKSAR Government. The “Hong Kong First Five-Year Plan” provides forward-looking, strategic and directional guidance for Hong Kong's economic and social development over the next five years; the “Policy Address” sets out the annual policy priorities for implementing the “Hong Kong First Five-Year Plan”. The two are in line and closely related. Facing profound changes in the international geopolitical and trade landscape, the measures proposed in two important policy documents on shipping and port development will help the industry seize new opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and inject new impetus into the long-term development of Hong Kong's international shipping center.

Dr. Cheng Mu-chi, Chairman of the Hong Kong Maritime Ports Development Council, said, “We are pleased to see the government's forward-looking vision, put forward pragmatic and enterprising policies and measures to respond to industry needs, promote the comprehensive upgrading and transformation of Hong Kong from a 'large tonnage port' to a 'value port', and build Hong Kong into a global shipping capital.”

The Hong Kong Maritime Ports Development Council is particularly encouraged by a series of new government initiatives to support the green transformation of shipping, including the announcement of the first “green energy corridor” to be built with mainland cities within this year. Furthermore, in terms of strengthening the high-value-added shipping service ecosystem, the Government will revolutionize Hong Kong's ship registration system, including introducing a “double flag ship system”; and work with the Hong Kong Maritime Port Development Council and the industry to explore viable solutions for financial linked shipping, and focus research on shipping insurance and ship financing.

Furthermore, the Hong Kong Maritime Transport and Port Development Council supports the government and terminal operators in formulating a road map for the intelligent and green development of the Kwai Tsing Container Terminal to promote the construction of a green smart port in Hong Kong; it will also participate deeply in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area port cluster to promote efficient regional port collaboration. At the same time, the Hong Kong Maritime Transport and Port Development Council welcomes the Government to further develop the strategic value of the port community system, explore offshore trade cargo tracking with blockchain technology, and ensure that the industry is at the forefront of digital transformation.

Looking ahead, the Hong Kong Maritime Ports Development Council looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Government to jointly promote the further development of Hong Kong's shipping industry. The “Hong Kong First Five-Year Plan” and “Policy Address” set a clear direction for the development of Hong Kong's shipping and port industry. The Hong Kong Maritime Transport and Port Development Council will continue to help promote the implementation of various measures and work with the industry to create new developments to further enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong's international shipping center.