17 October 2002 (Thursday)

The Hong Kong Port and Maritime Board (PMB) at its meeting today (17 October) discussed the scope and approach of the "Study on Hong Kong Port - Master Plan 2020". The main objective of the study, which will be completed in late 2003, is to formulate a competitive and sustainable strategy and master plan for Hong Kong's port development for the coming 20 years and beyond.

PMB members also exchanged views on the progress report on the "Study to Strengthen Hong Kong's Role as an International Maritime Centre" aimed at identifying measures to consolidate and secure Hong Kong's position as an International Maritime Centre.

The PMB discussed the Consumer Council's report on the role of the Board in the mechanism for determining the Terminal Handling Charges (THC). Members opined that as the current mechanism was based on an international practice and was a commercial matter between the shippers and the shipping lines, the Board was not in a position to act as the mediator. However, in view of the result of the motion debate on this issue at yesterday's Legislative Council meeting, the Board agreed that the Government should strengthen its role of facilitator to step up discussion among concerned parties with the aim to increase the transparency of the process and improve on the consultation mechanism.

Members were also briefed on details of Hong Kong's support for the US Container Security Initiative (CSI) and its latest development as well as the Government's effort in drawing up a contingency plan to ensure the smooth operation of the port of Hong Kong after the resumption of shipment to the west coast of the US.