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The Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council (MIC), another high-level dedicated advisory body chaired by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour and made up of key players of the private sector and Government officials, advises the Government on the formulation of measures and initiatives to further develop Hong Kong's maritime industry. It also assists the Government in promoting the comprehensive maritime services provided in Hong Kong and Hong Kong's status as an international maritime centre.
There are two task forces under the MIC to focus on different issues. The Human Resource Task Force addresses the education, training and manpower supply issues while the Maritime Services Task Force focuses on formulating measures to promote the various sectors in the maritime cluster.
Maritime Industry
The Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) has gained a reputation as a world- class and quality register with excellent services. Its reputation as a quality flag was. further recognised in 2004 when the HKSR qualified under the 'US QUALSHIP 21 Scheme'. During the year, improvement were introduced continuously to attract top quality tonnage. The HKSR crossed the 25-million gross tonnage mark at the end of the year, securing its position among the world's top five shipping registers.
To increase the supply of local qualified personnel with sea-going experience to work in the maritime industry, a 'Sea-going Training Incentive Scheme' was launched in July. The training scheme provides financial incentives for qualified youngsters to take up sea-going training as cadets, which paves the way for them to become shore- based professionals in the maritime industry.
Moreover, to enhance the competitiveness of the shipping industry, Hong Kong is proactive in negotiating double taxation relief arrangements covering shipping income with its trading partners. In 2004, Hong Kong signed an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) on shipping and air services income with Sri Lanka in March, and a DTA on shipping income with Denmark in December. Together with similar arrangements with the Mainland, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the confirmed provisions of reciprocal tax exemption with the tax authorities of New Zealand and the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong has made double taxation relief arrangements covering shipping income with 12 tax administrations.
Port Administration
The Marine Department administers the port. Its principal function is to ensure navigation safety and efficiency of shipping activities in the waters of Hong Kong. This is achieved by comprehensive traffic management, harbour patrols, vessel traffic services, provision of mooring buoys and rigorous enforcement of major international maritime conventions.
The department liaises closely with shipping and commercial organisations through a number of advisory and consultative committees. Users and operators of