Tuesday, 28 March 2000

The Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Stephen Ip, today (March 28) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on maritime technical co-operation with Secretary General Mr William O'Neil of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Mr Ip said this MOU would help enhance the reputation of Hong Kong as a responsible flag administration, provide a learning experience for Hong Kong marine professionals, and help to promote Hong Kong as a major maritime training centre.

He explained that the MOU established the working relationship between IMO and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government for the delivery of IMO's technical assistance activities for Asia and the Pacific Islands Region.

"These technical assistance efforts are intended to further the ratification of, and the compliance with, IMO Conventions, and to facilitate their implementation," Mr Ip said.

The MOU stipulates that Hong Kong, upon request from IMO, will consider hosting regional training courses in Hong Kong and provide experts for training courses organised in or outside Hong Kong.

Stressing the importance of training of administrative staff, Mr O'Neil, who is currently visiting Hong Kong, said, "IMO is promoting regional implementation of its technical assistance programmes and with its strategic location, Hong Kong is ideal for hosting seminars and courses."