ENG-2003 — Page 327

TRANSPORT

Hong Kong is also home to the most productive and efficient container terminals and the biggest private terminal operator in the world. A comprehensive network of container line services connects the port of Hong Kong with over 500 destinations world-wide. A new six-berth container terminal, Container Terminal 9, is nearing completion. The first two berths came into operation in July and October. When the terminal becomes fully operational by the end of 2004, Hong Kong's container terminals will have a total handling capacity of more than 17 million TEUs.

Necessary measures continued to be taken during the year to further strengthen the air transport infrastructure. The Government's Economic Development and Labour Bureau initialled two new Air Services Agreements (ASAs) in 2003. This brings the total number of signed and initialled ASAs to 60 and provides more opportunities for airlines to expand services. In March, the Logistics Centre at the Hong Kong International Airport commenced operation to provide various logistics and supply chain management services.

'Logistics Hong Kong' Initiative

The policy objective of the Government is to maintain and strengthen the role of Hong Kong as the preferred international transportation and logistics hub in Asia. The Government provides a conducive environment and necessary infrastructure to facilitate the development of the logistics sector. It also maximises the scope for cooperation and coordination with the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region in developing intermodal transportation links to achieve synergistic benefits.

The Steering Committee on Logistics Development (LOGSCOM), chaired by the Financial Secretary, provides policy directives and accelerates measures to foster logistics development. The Hong Kong Logistics. Development Council (LOGSCOUNCIL), chaired by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, underpins LOGSCOM in fostering logistics development and carries out joint projects between the public and private sectors. It also provides a forum for government officials and industry players to discuss and coordinate matters concerning 'Logistics Hong Kong'. Five Project Groups are set up under LOGSCOUNCIL to develop and implement work programmes in specific areas, including physical infrastructure, information connectivity, human resource development, support for small and medium sized enterprises, as well as marketing and promotion.

During the year, LOGSCOUNCIL focused on the development of a Digital Trade and Transportation Network System, an open and neutral e-platform for the exchange of information and data among participants in the supply chain; and the development of a Value Added Logistics Park to provide a designated facility for handling high value, time-critical merchandise. The Government also conducted a joint study with the National Development and Reform Commission to explore the room for cooperation between Hong Kong and the Mainland (especially in the PRD) in logistics development.

LOGSCOUNCIL worked closely with the logistics sector to upgrade the quality of human resources by encouraging training institutes to organise tailor-made courses for logistics practitioners. It also organised roadshows to promote Hong Kong's logistics industry to the public, in particular the younger generation.

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