Hong Kong shouldn’t fret over container port rankings, but must ‘upgrade’ services: CY Leung
Former chief executive also says more business chambers should visit mainland China to help identify new opportunities
A former Hong Kong chief executive has dismissed concerns over the local container port losing out to rivals, while emphasising the need to develop related legal and insurance services to strengthen the city’s status as an international shipping centre.
Leung Chun-ying, now a vice-chairman of the country’s top political advisory body, also said on Sunday that many Hong Kong-based business chambers and professional groups had not visited mainland China enough to help identify new opportunities for the city.
He called for the focus on maritime sector services ahead of a high-level seminar being held by the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping on Monday.
“The country has consistently urged Hong Kong to enhance its status as an international shipping centre, a discussion that has been ongoing for many years … But improvement doesn’t simply mean expanding terminal operations,” said Leung, a founder of the chamber.
“We shouldn’t be too concerned that the throughput of our [Kwai Tsing] Container Terminals has fallen behind many other ports in mainland China and around the world.”
The chamber’s event will address ways to enhance the city’s shipping centre status, with a focus on providing services for the sector.
