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Chung-Tsing Yi over the past few years has enabled the port to enhance its productivity.

The container port is vital, not only for Hong Kong, but also for southern China one of the fastest industrialising areas in the world. Over 70 per cent of container traffic handled by Hong Kong is related to southern China.

Strategic Planning

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To ensure that sufficient port facilities in Hong Kong are provided to handle the port's cargo growth following China's accession to the World Trade Organisation, the Government completed the 'Study on Hong Kong Port Master Plan 2020' at the end of 2004. The study recommended a package of immediate and long-term initiatives to increase the port's competitiveness. The Government, following the study's recommendations, commissioned consultants to update the port cargo forecast to work out the optimal timing for the construction of Container Terminal 10 and to conduct an ecology study on Northwest Lantau to see whether it is environmentally suitable for development of container terminal. These two studies. are expected to be completed in 2007.

Hong Kong Port Development Council

In Hong Kong, all container terminal facilities are financed, developed, owned and operated by the private sector. The Government's role is to undertake long-term strategic planning for port facilities and to provide the necessary supporting infrastructure, such as roads and channels to the terminals.

The Hong Kong Port Development Council (PDC), chaired by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, is a high-level advisory body comprising key players from the private sector and the Government. The PDC advises the Government on port development strategies and port facility planning to meet future demands. It also assists the Government in promoting Hong Kong as a regional hub port and a leading container port in the world.

A Port Development Advisory Group, formed under the PDC, assists the council in examining port cargo forecasts and assessing port development needs in the light. of changing demand, port capacity, productivity, performance and competition, locally and regionally.

Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council

The Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council (MIC) is a high-level advisory body chaired by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour and is made up of key players in the private sector and of government officials. It advises the Government on the formulation of measures and initiatives to develop further Hong Kong's maritime industry. It also assists the Government in promoting Hong Kong's maritime services and Hong Kong's status as an international maritime centre.

There are two task forces under the MIC: the Human Resources Task Force tackles education, training and manpower supply issues while the Maritime Services Task Force deals with promoting the industry and strengthening its competitiveness.

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