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efficient port facilities. Because of the importance of
external trade to the local economy Hong Kong maintains frequent shipping links with all major ports in the
world. Fast and efficient delivery of goods is essential
for the development of international trade. The availability in Hong Kong of port facilities and shipping services at a high level of efficiency is of direct benefit to China in its drive to promote exports.
27.
Hong Kong's role as a major entrepôt for China's external trade is likely to continue at least in the
foreseeable future. Hong Kong is unique on the south China coast in its possession of a natural deep-water
harbour which can accommodate the largest ocean-going cargo ships. Further, because of the geographical setting and the transport system of southern China, it is often more convenient to export the goods produced in the region
through Hong Kong than through, for example, Shanghai.
The double-tracking of the Hengyang-Guangzhou section of the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway and of the Chinese section of the Kowloon-Canton Railway will enhance this advantage.
28.
It is possible that the development of ports
along the south China coast could weaken the position of Hong Kong as an entrepôt for Chinese goods in the longer
term. However, such a development would have to be complemented by substantial improvement in transport links between the ports and their hinterlands, and in the range and frequency of shipping services offered at the ports. Such improvements would take a long time to achieve and would require substantial investment by the Chinese government. In the meantime, Hong Kong's port is likely
to continue to enjoy significant advantages over its
rivals in China.
Further, as the Chinese ports develop,
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