THE Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (HAFFA) has welcomed plans to expand cargo capacity and logistics services in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered his annual address last Wednesday, outlining several initiatives designed to boost the region's economy.
Mr Lee outlined the government's intention to move forward with its action plan for logistics development, releasing four logistics sites on which to develop state-of-the-art facilities, and to promote the findings of a study into the development of logistics clusters in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (NDA).
HAFFA chairman Gary Lau said: 'This year's policy address by the Hong Kong SAR chief executive is enormously positive for our industry and furthers Central Government's support for Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub and maritime centre as stated in the '14th Five Year Plan'.
'Expanding high value-added logistics services and cargo capacity through the GBA, enhancing the advantages of the air cargo industry, and facilitating cross-boundary e-commerce logistics services are all crucial areas, and the policy address outlines the government's staunch commitment to maximizing the opportunities they represent.'
Mr Lee also noted the government will continue to strengthen industry cooperation with neighbouring regions by utilizing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB).
Additionally, the government will extend arrangements under the Transshipment Cargo Exemption Schedule (TCES) to other intermodal transshipment methods to enhance competitiveness. The TCES currently facilitates the air transshipment of certain strategic commodities, such as pharma and frozen/chilled meats.
'With the goal of developing Hong Kong into a centre for cross-boundary e-commerce distribution logistics, the Chief Executive announced a government review of the existing regulatory framework in order to remove barriers to inbound goods sorting and delivery processes,' HAFFA added.
The address was also welcomed by Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as it supported efforts to expand flights to new destinations.
Vivian Cheung, acting chief executive of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said: 'We sincerely thank and support the chief executive for the various measures in his policy address, especially the support for HKIA to step up efforts in expanding aviation network and developing new destinations and flights, as well as the relaxation of visa policy to foster travel and business exchanges with countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
'We will further promote the Airport City strategy, expand the Airport City's scale, and continue with the development of the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park.'
Cathay Pacific (CX) welcomed the Government of Hong Kong's comprehensive plans to enhance its aviation hub status through the Three-Runway System initiative and Airport City expansion, as announced in the 2024 Policy Address.
The development aims to boost visitor traffic, attract international events, and draw skilled professionals to the region.
Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam emphasized HKIA's strategic position as a leading international travel hub and global cargo gateway.
The Three-Runway System promises substantial growth potential, projecting capacity increases of tens of millions of passengers and millions of cargo tonnes annually.
SeaNews Turkey
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered his annual address last Wednesday, outlining several initiatives designed to boost the region's economy.
Mr Lee outlined the government's intention to move forward with its action plan for logistics development, releasing four logistics sites on which to develop state-of-the-art facilities, and to promote the findings of a study into the development of logistics clusters in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (NDA).
HAFFA chairman Gary Lau said: 'This year's policy address by the Hong Kong SAR chief executive is enormously positive for our industry and furthers Central Government's support for Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub and maritime centre as stated in the '14th Five Year Plan'.
'Expanding high value-added logistics services and cargo capacity through the GBA, enhancing the advantages of the air cargo industry, and facilitating cross-boundary e-commerce logistics services are all crucial areas, and the policy address outlines the government's staunch commitment to maximizing the opportunities they represent.'
Mr Lee also noted the government will continue to strengthen industry cooperation with neighbouring regions by utilizing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB).
Additionally, the government will extend arrangements under the Transshipment Cargo Exemption Schedule (TCES) to other intermodal transshipment methods to enhance competitiveness. The TCES currently facilitates the air transshipment of certain strategic commodities, such as pharma and frozen/chilled meats.
'With the goal of developing Hong Kong into a centre for cross-boundary e-commerce distribution logistics, the Chief Executive announced a government review of the existing regulatory framework in order to remove barriers to inbound goods sorting and delivery processes,' HAFFA added.
The address was also welcomed by Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as it supported efforts to expand flights to new destinations.
Vivian Cheung, acting chief executive of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said: 'We sincerely thank and support the chief executive for the various measures in his policy address, especially the support for HKIA to step up efforts in expanding aviation network and developing new destinations and flights, as well as the relaxation of visa policy to foster travel and business exchanges with countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
'We will further promote the Airport City strategy, expand the Airport City's scale, and continue with the development of the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park.'
Cathay Pacific (CX) welcomed the Government of Hong Kong's comprehensive plans to enhance its aviation hub status through the Three-Runway System initiative and Airport City expansion, as announced in the 2024 Policy Address.
The development aims to boost visitor traffic, attract international events, and draw skilled professionals to the region.
Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam emphasized HKIA's strategic position as a leading international travel hub and global cargo gateway.
The Three-Runway System promises substantial growth potential, projecting capacity increases of tens of millions of passengers and millions of cargo tonnes annually.
SeaNews Turkey
