Hong Kong Hosts 14th Asian Logistics Conference, Reinforcing Its Global Supply Chain Role

Speech by Acting CE at Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference 2024 (with photo/video)

Following is the speech by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference 2024 today (November 18):

Vice Minister Fu Xuyin (Vice Minister of Transport), Dr Peter Lam (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council), distinguished guests from around the world,ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. I am pleased to welcome you to the 14th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference - the largest supply-chain management conference in Asia. And I am delighted to note that this year's two-day global gathering is expected to attract some 2 000 professionals from more than 30 countries and regions.

Hong Kong has long been a key player in the global logistics chain. And we are determined to build on our logistics heritage.

Thanks to the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong has the country's full support to develop as an international shipping and aviation centre - and, no less important, to boost our global standing as a financial and trade hub.

Hong Kong's aviation strength is built on our world-class infrastructure, extensive air network and excellent connectivity within the Greater Bay Area. Indeed, Hong Kong International Airport is connected to nearly 200 destinations worldwide and has topped the world for air cargo throughput in nine of the past 10 years. It helps, too, that about half the world's population is within five hours' flight time of Hong Kong.

This year, I am delighted to say, Hong Kong International Airport enters the era of the Three-runway System, which is set for commissioning in about 10 days. It will be a game changer. By 2035, the airport will be able to handle up to 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo a year.

More good news. Internationally recognised logistics companies are turning to Hong Kong International Airport for their future. United Parcel Service will develop a new hub facility at the airport. That follows last year's launch of DHL's expanded Central Asia Hub and the Cainiao Smart Gateway.

These and other developments will also enhance our cargo connectivity with the Greater Bay Area, boosting our status as an air cargo transshipment centre.

And we will continue to expand our air network, strengthening co-operation with civil aviation partners and supporting airlines to elevate their services on major routes and to explore new destinations, particularly in Belt and Road countries.

This week, of course, is Maritime Week. And we have plenty to celebrate, thanks to Hong Kong Port and our superb connectivity with ports around the world.

The Hong Kong Shipping Registry, let me add, is the fourth largest in the world in gross tonnage.

Hong Kong boasts a dynamic maritime services cluster, counting more than 1 100 companies and providing solid support for the industry. And we are committed to expanding our high-end maritime service offerings, as last month's Policy Address underlined.

Hong Kong ranked fourth in this year's International Shipping Centre Development Index, a testament to our strengths as an international maritime centre.

And we see long-term opportunities in Hong Kong's rise as a green and smart port. Our Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy outlines that promising future, including building green fuel-bunkering capabilities. Just three days ago, we published an action plan on developing Hong Kong into a green maritime fuel-bunkering centre.

A port community system will be up and running next year, enabling the flow and sharing of data within the industry.

Combining our aviation and maritime strengths, Hong Kong has long been a major cargo gateway to and from the Greater Bay Area.

And the Government is committed to sustaining Hong Kong's standing as a regional logistics hub. The Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development published in October 2023 will guide our way, helping the industry capitalise on the far-reaching opportunities made possible by e-commerce and smart and green logistics.

The Government will encourage transshipment, extending arrangements under the Air Transhipment Cargo Exemption Scheme to other cargo-transshipment options. That will enlarge our cargo catchment area, increasing cargo throughput and boosting our competitiveness as a transshipment hub.

We will also step up efforts to develop Hong Kong into a cross-boundary, e-commerce logistics and distribution centre.

Ladies and gentlemen, this year's Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference is all about creating a resilient and sustainable future for global supply chains. And Hong Kong is determined to play a vital part in that promising future.

My thanks to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for organising this year's conference with us. I am grateful, too, for the support of our partners and sponsors in making this year's conference a resounding success.

I wish you all a rewarding and enjoyable stay here in Hong Kong, and the best in business and logistics in the coming year.

Thank you.

Speech by Acting CE at Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference 2024 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CSD hosts 42nd Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators

​The 42nd Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators (APCCA), hosted by the Correctional Services Department (CSD), opened today (November 18). About 140 correctional chiefs and representatives from 29 Asia-Pacific countries and regions, as well as representatives of relevant professional organisations, are attending the Conference to exchange views on correctional services and consolidate and foster regional co-operation.

The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, officiated at the opening ceremony of the Conference.

In his opening speech, Mr Cheuk said that the theme of this year's APCCA is "Collaboration for Sustainable and High-quality Development", which highlights the determination of correctional officers from various places to advance and deepen regional co-operation, with a view to achieving high-quality development in the field of correction. He noted that the CSD has achieved remarkable results in the application of innovation and technology in the development of Smart Prison and the implementation of diversified rehabilitation programmes. During the Conference, the CSD will share its experiences and exchange views with counterparts from various places to promote and strengthen regional collaboration, thereby jointly enhancing the effectiveness of correctional work.

Mr Wong said in the ceremony that the CSD is honoured to host the Conference. He added that collaboration is a key element in the development of sustainable and high-quality development. The Conference provides an important platform for correctional practitioners from different places to exchange views and share valuable experiences, and to enhance co-operation among members, thereby injecting new impetus into sustainable and high-quality correctional work.

The agenda of the Conference, lasting from today to Thursday (November 21), will cover five specialised areas, namely "Challenges and initiatives in corrections", "Training, fostering and developing staff: Ensuring a professional, accountable and supportive culture", "Technology as an aid to reducing prison violence, and to managing and rehabilitating offenders in prison and the community", "Working with families and communities to improve rehabilitation and reintegration", and "How to design, construct and operate prisons in a more environmentally friendly way". During the Conference, participants will visit correctional institutions in Hong Kong to gain a better understanding of the unique advantages and the latest developments of Hong Kong's correctional system, including the development of Smart Prison projects and diversified rehabilitation programmes.

The APCCA is an annual conference that provides a platform for organisations and representatives engaged in correctional and prison work in the Asia-Pacific region to foster professional exchanges and co-operation on correctional services. Currently, members cover 25 countries with a total of 34 jurisdictions involved.

The CSD is one of the founding members of the APCCA and serves as the Joint Secretariat and Fund Administrator. The CSD has been promoting the development of the platform and exchanges among members, playing the role of an international link. The CSD hosted the first, 13th and 23rd APCCA in 1980, 1993 and 2003 respectively, and this is the fourth time it has served as host of the Conference.

CSD hosts 42nd Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CSD hosts 42nd Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CSD hosts 42nd Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CSD hosts 42nd Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CSD hosts 42nd Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases