A PMB delegation recently completed a visit programme to Greece from June 2 to June 6 to promote Hong Kong as an international maritime centre in Asia.

Led by the then Secretary for Economic Services, Ms Sandra Lee, and PMB Chairman, Sir Gordon Wu, the delegation comprised representatives from the Government and the private sectors.

The visit to Greece was in support of the "Hong Kong Pavilion" exhibition at the Posidonia 2002 International Shipping Exhibition in Piraeus.

Posidonia 2002, which attracted about 70 countries with over 1500 exhibitors to participate, was the eighteenth biennial International Shipping Exhibition.

Jointly organised by PMB, the Marine Department and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the "Hong Kong Pavilion" exhibition booth not only showcased the comprehensive maritime services provided in Hong Kong but also featured Hong Kong's business-friendly environment and facilities which made Hong Kong the ideal regional base for the shipping industry.

Ms Lee also updated Greek shipowners at a luncheon meeting on the latest developments on maritime services and the excellent business opportunities in Hong Kong.

"There are some 1000 shipping related companies operating in Hong Kong, providing a wide range of maritime services from ship registration, financing, P & I Clubs, marine insurance, ship broking, maritime arbitration, ship management,    surveying,   repair

to ship replenishment," Ms Lee said.

Ms Lee noted that over 6 per cent of the world's tonnage amounting to over 37 million gross tonnes are owned or controlled by Hong Kong shipowners/companies, making Hong Kong the world's sixth shipping centre.

Ms Lee also updated them on the attractiveness of the Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR).