Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday said Hong Kong welcomes collaboration with global partners in the building of future transport and logistics corridors.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International Convention in Wan Chai, he pointed out that Hong Kong's cooperation with other Greater Bay Area cities was making the region one of the world's most economically vibrant regions as well as the future logistics hub.

"No logistics hub succeeds alone," Lee said.

"We welcome cooperation with friends near and far, East and West.

"Hong Kong is more than accommodating. Here, reaching out, working with the world, is our natural resource."

Addressing some 300 participants, Lee also said the city is "the best place to build global corridors" – thanks to its strategic location at the heart of Asia while being the southern gateway to the mainland.

"Our aviation and shipping networks are vast. Our airport and port infrastructure are world-class. Few places can match our comprehensive, multi-modal logistics system."

Looking ahead, Lee envisioned a further transformation of the city into a global centre for the cold chain trade in the coming five years, linking especially southern China with South America.

The city's newly unveiled five-year plan, he added, also sets out as a goal the consolidation of its status as a global transshipment centre, while actively participating in the nation's development of smart and green logistics models.

"That means water-to-water transshipments powered by electric, autonomous ships," Lee said.

"It also means better land freight links to the Chinese mainland. We will work with ports such as Yangpu, Yantian and Huizhou. [And] we will do the same in aviation."

Lee also said Hong Kong would utilise more digital tools, such as the Port Community System that was launched earlier this year to connect maritime, port and logistics data, while attracting more cargo to route through the SAR.

Themed “Global Corridors, Collaboration Excellence”, the conference, which ends on Thursday, is expected draw participants such as global industry leaders, academics and policymakers.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport is a global professional body for transport and logistics practitioners.



Edited by Tony Sabine