TNAG-1019-FCO40-1269-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1981 — Page 116

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The second route was the Huangpu-Hong Kong-Europe run. The bulk-container service began in May, 1980. Hamnoble Shipping Agent Enterprises is Cosco's agent for

the route.

Sixteen vessels have been deployed on this route, six of which are around 18 000 deadweight tons and the rest are vessels of around 10 000 deadweight tons.

This was followed by the inauguration in June, 1980 of a Persian Gulf service, and an Australian service. Sin Chiao Shipping (A) is Cosco's agent for these two routes.

At present, the new services take on most cargo at Chinese ports, loading only a limited number of containers at Hong Kong. On the return trip, the vessels proceed directly to China.

ports.

C.

Feeder routes are bringing increasing tonnage to Hong Kong from various Chinese

A Transport Company in Tianjin

The deputy director of the Foreign Trade Bureau in Tianjin (**), Mr. Lo Qing, said in November, 1980 that a transport company had been set up in the city to handle the transportation of goods for export. The company had already bought a cargo ship and was planning to buy more.

The company has been operating a service between Hong Kong and Tianjin since January 1, 1981 and services to Japan and other countries will be introduced later on.

Mr. Lo said the port facilities in Ta Guang) would be expanded to cope with the rapid development of the export trade in Tianjin.

9.

A.

SHIPBUILDING/SHIPREPAIRING

Hong Kong-Guangzhou Shipping Company

The Hong Kong-Guangzhou Shipping Company (#27

)

has been commissioned by the Guangdong Shipbuilding Company (A) to promote its shipbuilding industry, which concentrates in the construction of all kinds of tugs ranging from 150 to 13 600 horse-power. Lately it has specially built a 400 horse-power tug to be operated within Hong Kong waters.

A Hong Kong Marine Department spokesman told the Hong Kong-Guangzhou Shipping Company that the department deeply appreciated the frequent Sino-Hong Kong business transactions and was willing, within the scope of its terms of reference, to take up the responsibility for supervising its construction of vessels and to assist in the issue of licences for its vessels to be operated in Hong Kong waters.

The company noted that the friendly and co-operative attitude of the Marine Department lay the foundation for an expanding joint venture in shipbuilding between Hong Kong and China. In return, the company would be glad to assist Hong Kong ship owners apply for licences for vessels built in China.

B. China Corporation of Shipbuilding Industries

According to a report on November 11, 1980, the managing director of China Corporation of Shipbuilding Industries (IA), Mr. Wong Ze, said China had discussions with members of the local shipping community on possible locations for shipyards in Hong Kong to service China-made vessels in response to demands from shipowners.

Speaking at the Far East Trade and Shipping Conference in Hong Kong on November 19, 1980, Mr. Wong also described China's effort to substantially increase its shipbuilding capacity. These include the introduction of measures designed to give greater economic flexibility to Chinese shipyards and a system under which state enterprises and individual workers could retain some of the profits earned from overseas sales of ships and marine equipment.

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