6 June, 2000 (Tuesday)

"Hong Kong, as an international trading and maritime centre as well as the gateway to China, is the best partner for the world's maritime community doing business in Asia," the Secretary for Economics Services, Mr Stephen Ip, said in his speech given at the Posidonia 2000 International Shipping Exhibition in Piraeus, Greece today (6 June).

Held every two years, Posidonia is one of the biggest shipping exhibitions in the world maritime calendar, providing excellent business opportunities for every sector of the global maritime industry.

Addressing the seminar "Hong Kong - Your International Maritime Partner in Asia" hosted by the Hong Kong Port and Maritime Board (HKPMB), Mr Ip told shipowners the advantages of Hong Kong as the foremost business and communication hub in Asia to capture the new business opportunities arising from the Asian economic growth and China's imminent accession to the WTO.

Mr Ip updated them on the latest developments on port and maritime matters in Hong Kong, and how such developments in Hong Kong would create business opportunities and attractions for them.

Mr Ip pointed out that Hong Kong is the seventh largest trading entity in the world and the most vibrant business hub in Asia blessed by its superb geographical location, world-class communication network and driven by the energy of its people for whom trade is a part of their culture.

"Our domestic telecommunications network is already fully digitised, the broadband infrastructure covers practically all business buildings and our external connectivity the best in the region. All these attractions explain why 850 multi-national companies have chosen Hong Kong for their Asian regional headquarters," said Mr Ip.

Mr Ip also pointed out that Hong Kong was the leading port and international maritime centre in Asia with impressive results achieved last year, a 42 per cent growth in the number of ships registered in Hong Kong and a growth of 11 per cent in container throughput to 16.2 million TEUs, making Hong Kong the number one container port in the world.

Mr Ip also held a meeting with the Greek Shipping Minister, Mr Christos Papoutsis, to exchange views on maritime matters and to discuss how Hong Kong and Greece could have closer links on shipping matters.

Posidonia 2000 has attracted over 70 countries with over 1,500 companies taking part. The HKPMB is making its first promotion at Posidonia and has set up a stand to distribute pamphlets and provide information on the Hong Kong Shipping Register.