31 May, 2000 (Wednesday)

The newly-formed Committee on Logistics Service Development (CLSD) under the Hong Kong Port and Maritime Board (HKPMB) held its first meeting today (Wednesday) to discuss the enhancement of Hong Kong's logistics services.

The Committee provides a forum for the aviation, maritime and logistics communities to exchange views on logistics development.

Logistics is associated not only with the efficient processing of the physical movement of goods but also maintaining an efficient data communication which tracks the movement of the goods as well as the efficient management and co-ordination of transactions.

With rapid developments in the integration of supply chain networks, utilisation of IT and "e"-commerce in the transport of cargoes, it is important for Hong Kong to consider how the Hong Kong aviation and maritime sectors can work more closely together with the logistics sector to provide "total logistics solutions" to its users.

Speaking after the meeting, the CLSD Chairman, Mr James Hughes-Hallet, said the Committee would seek to develop ideas to make Hong Kong the preferred Asian hub for global logistics.

"The CLSD will promote the understanding of the inter-relationship between players in the logistics supply chain," Mr Hughes-Hallet said.

"The Committee will also co-ordinate the actions of the public and private sectors in planning and implementing measures to strengthen logistics services in Hong Kong," he said.

The Secretary of HKPMB, Mr Alex Fong, noted that Hong Kong is the largest gateway port and transit centre for the movement of manufactured goods in the world supported by the busiest global container port and air freight terminals.

"In 1999, Hong Kong handled 16.2 million TEUs of container cargo and 2 million tonnes of air cargo, with further double digit growth so far this year," Mr Fong said.

"The Government will be working closely with the Committee to develop ideas to strengthen Hong Kong's logistics services to ensure the flow of cargo can be efficiently processed through our port and airport," he said.