Govt to unveil maritime strategy plan: CE
Chief Executive John Lee on Monday said the government will publish a detailed action plan on maritime and port development strategy in the coming weeks, to help develop Hong Kong into a leading international maritime centre. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the World Maritime Merchants Forum, Lee said the plan "will enhance high-end maritime services, facilitate transformation towards zero emission, promote smart and digital initiatives in the industry, and promote global exchanges." The CE added that the SAR is a super-connector and a super value-adder, and it will lead the way in driving green transformation of the industry. "We will actively advocate the use and supply of new energy in sea, land and air transport. In this regard, we will soon kick-start a feasibility study of providing green methanol bunkering, for both local and ocean-going vessels, so as to develop Hong Kong into a green maritime fuel bunkering centre." Speaking at the same event, director of the liaison office Zheng Yanxiong said unity and cooperation among countries, China's opening up and Hong Kong's stability are all important factors behind the development of the maritime industry. "Maritime service is the link that connects the world. It is also a barometer for the world's economy," he said. "The third World Maritime Merchants Forum, which is hosted in Hong Kong, gives us hope that the world's maritime industry can work together and are willing to pay efforts to work together. We can see the resilience and the prospects of the world's economy." Transport minister Lam Sai-hung said the global maritime industry had changed dramatically during the pandemic, but Hong Kong is already taking on these challenges to adapt.  "To further enhance port efficiency and reduce the time and cost of cargo handling, we are actively promoting the development of smart ports by setting up a digitalised port community system to facilitate the flow of data," he said.