Tuesday, 21 September 1999

SES Ends Three-day Visit to the Netherlands

The Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Stephen Ip, visited Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam between September 19 and 21.

He was accompanied by the Director of Marine, Mr S Y Tsui, and three members of the Hong Kong Port and Maritime Board, Mrs Miriam Lau, Mr Frank Tsao and Mr M H Liang.

The delegation visited the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on the first day of their official programme, the fourth largest airport in Europe in terms of passenger traffic and the third largest in terms of freight.

They were briefed on the overall development of the airport, in particular, the logistical and commercial developments, including conference and shopping facilities. They also met the senior management of the Schiphol Airport Authority and the two major Dutch airlines, KLM and Martinair.

In The Hague, the Secretary for Economic Services met the Dutch Deputy Prime Minister, Mrs Anne-Marie Jorritsma, and the Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, Mrs Tineke Netelenbos. The Deputy Prime Minister was in Hong Kong earlier this year, just before the visit of HM Queen Beatrice in April 1999.

Mr Ip updated both Ministers the latest economic situation in Hong Kong and outlined our efforts to promote Hong Kong as a major shipping centre in the Asian-Pacific region.

"Hong Kong and the Netherlands have a lot in common," said Mr Ip. "We both have an excellent port and a world class airport."

"We have recently taken measures to sharpen Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international shipping hub. They include lowering the cost of ship registration in Hong Kong, simplifying ship inspection procedures, and discussion with overseas jurisdictions on reciprocal tax exemptions for shipping companies," Mr Ip added.

"A key objective of this trip is to encourage more ships to register on the Hong Kong Shipping Register and to promote Hong Kong as an international shipping and logistics centre."

The delegation visited the Port of Rotterdam, the world's largest port in terms of cargo throughput. Apart from looking at the port facilities, the delegation met representatives of international shipping companies and businesses to discuss how the two leading ports can work together to promote trade and investment between Hong Kong and the Netherlands.

Mr Ip also called on the Mayor of Rotterdam. The Mayor will lead a business delegation to Hong Kong in early October to further explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

The Secretary for Economic Services left Rotterdam for London today (September 21, 1999).