ENG-2003 — Page 319

TRANSPORT

The MIC advises the Government on the formulation of measures and initiatives to further develop the maritime industry and assists the Government in promoting the comprehensive maritime services provided in Hong Kong. It also focuses on the promotion of Hong Kong as an international maritime centre.

To further enhance Hong Kong's attractiveness as a base for international maritime enterprises, the MIC has set up a Human Resource Task Force to address the education, training and manpower supply issue. A Maritime Services Task Force was also set up to formulate measures to promote the various sectors in the maritime cluster.

The Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) has gained a reputation as a world-class and quality register with excellent services. In order to further boost the quality standard and the reputation of the HKSR, a pre-registration quality control system was launched in July. Various improvement measures are also introduced regularly to heighten efficiency and user-friendliness. As a result, the Register's gross tonnage broke the 20-million mark in November, securing its position in the world's top 10 shipping registers.

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 2003, Hong Kong signed Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) on shipping income with Germany and Norway in January and October, respectively. Hong Kong also signed a DTA on shipping and air services. incomes with Singapore in November. Together with similar arrangements with the Mainland, Belgium, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands 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 10 tax administrations.

Port Administration

The Marine Department administers the port. Its principal function is to ensure safety of navigation 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 port facilities can provide their advice in relation to port administration matters through these channels. The Port Operations Committee advises on all matters related to the efficient operation of the port, the Pilotage Advisory Committee on matters relating to pilotage services, and the Port Area Security Advisory Committee on port security. Besides these, the Provisional Local Vessel Advisory Committee is concerned with local craft matters and the Shipping Consultative Committee advises on efficient operation of the HKSR and Hong Kong's participation in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The Marine Department's website provides a wide range of information on the port and the HKSR. The home page also carries Marine Department notices and gives details of the department's services and facilities. Special features include a Hong Kong Shipping Directory in which Hong Kong-based marine services companies are listed, real-time movements of ocean-going vessels (OGVs) and river-trade cargo

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