17 October, 2002 (Thursday)

The inter-departmental group formed to prepare for the resumption of shipment to the US held its second meeting at the Kwai Chung Container Terminal today (17 October). Representatives from shippers, shipping lines, land transport industry and container terminals were also invited to the meeting to exchange views on the latest situation.

The meeting reviewed shipping schedules, projected cargo volume and availability of empty boxes for the next two weeks. In general, normal port operation is envisaged for the coming week, but ships with empty boxes returning from the US West Coast are scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong starting next weekend.

It is envisaged that cross-boundary traffic will then increase as more trucks will carry US-bound cargoes from Mainland China to Hong Kong. To meet surges in the traffic volume, the Government and the concerned authorities in Shenzhen have reached agreement to take emergency contingency measures whenever necessary. These measures include the opening of additional lanes for customs clearance at Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Control Point from 10 pm in the night to 7 am the next morning and speeding up of customs clearance to ensure the smooth operation of the control points during peak periods. Moreover, the operational departments of the control points in Hong Kong and Shenzhen will strengthen co-operation to tackle any incidents which may arise.

The Government and the industry will continue to maintain close contact to exchange updated information so that appropriate and timely measures can be effected.