Chief Executive John Lee announced on Monday that Hong Kong has forged partnerships with Dalian and Guangxi ports on the mainland and Chile's San Antonio port as part of efforts to reinforce the SAR's position as a global shipping centre.

He made the remarks at the 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference in Wan Chai, where some 2,300 logistics leaders and professionals from over 40 countries and regions gathered to discuss the latest tech, energy and supply chain trends.

Lee noted that the logistics industry was facing "considerable challenges" amid rising geopolitical tensions and volatile trade policies but said the SAR was well positioned to "weather the storm" – thanks to market diversification and increased use of technologies to boost efficiency.

"We are, for example, deepening our connections with both traditional and emerging markets. And we are exploring new opportunities in the Belt and Road countries," he said.

He also announced the new partnerships with the mainland and South American ports.

"These ports are of strategic importance and true to our character and policy priorities," Lee said.

"As an international maritime centre, we connect the Chinese mainland with the world and seek partners who support an open, international trade order."

Lee added that the city is aiming to become a global trading centre for green maritime fuel after rolling out action plans to develop bunkering services last year.

"We are looking to build the necessary infrastructure for Hong Kong to become a global centre of trade for green maritime fuel, especially those produced in the Chinese mainland, by far the world's biggest supplier," he said.

"An equally green endeavour is our pursuit of ESG [environmental, social and governance] expertise in the logistics field."