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TRANSPORT

develop a logistics centre at the airport and has awarded a licence for the operation of a marine cargo transfer centre in the airport zone. The Government has taken a proactive approach in putting in place measures to facilitate the movement of goods. The Air Cargo Transhipment (Facilitation) Ordinance, which came into effect in May, removes licensing requirements for transhipment of air cargo in Chek Lap Kok except for very sensitive products. In addition, the Customs and Excise Department has completed a consultancy study to explore ways of simplifying and streamlining customs clearance procedures for goods.

Construction of the River Trade Terminal in Tuen Mun has been completed. The River Trade Terminal Co Ltd is making plans to strengthen its cargo consolidation capabilities to enable the terminal to function as a logistical base to support the river trade and other activities of the port. This will strengthen the current logistics and warehousing activities being carried out at the Asia Terminals Ltd and Hong Kong International Distribution Centre buildings, both of which are among the largest on- dock industrial warehouse buildings in the world.

The PMB has been examining how cargo sources can be reinforced through better feeder connections to the port through road transport, water links and freight rail. The port and airport are well served by an extensive road network. The Duplicate Tsing Yi South Bridge will meet port traffic needs arising from operations at Container Terminal 9 in Tsing Yi. An additional expressway and more local roads are being planned to connect the port to the Mainland boundary and other parts of Hong Kong.

Utilisation of IT in Logistics Services

Hong Kong has excellent telecommunications and information technology (IT) infrastructure to support the development of e-commerce and supply-chain logistics. The telecommunications market is being progressively liberalised to ensure the economy continues to be supported by world-class telecommunications services at reasonable prices. The domestic network is already fully digitalised, and the local broadband infrastructure is developing rapidly to meet growing traffic demands, making Hong Kong's external connectivity among the best in the region, and PNET (public non-exclusive telecommunications) charges for Internet access the lowest in the world.

To create a favourable environment for e-commerce, the Government has established a clear legal framework for the conduct of electronic transactions through the enactment of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance in January. A local public key infrastructure supported by certification authorities to provide a safe and secure environment for the development of e-commerce has been established. The Hongkong Post has been providing a public certification service since January.

To further promote the development of e-commerce, the Government has launched (in October) the Electronic Service Delivery Scheme to provide services to the public through the Internet and other electronic means in a seamless manner. The Customs and Excise Department is developing an electronic EDI-Manifest System for carriers to submit manifest data through electronic data interchange. The system will enhance efficiency and reduce paper work. It also promotes the wider use of EDI in the trading community.

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