02 April, 2003 (Tuesday)

Hong Kong and Ukraine today (2 April) signed an Agreement on Maritime Transport to strengthen economic relations between the two places and the cooperation in the field of maritime transport.

The Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, signed the agreement on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government while Ukraine was represented by Mr Georgiy Kirpa, the Minister of Transport of Ukraine.

"The Agreement covers general cooperation in maritime transport, including promotion of sea trade, mutual recognition of seaman's identity documents, and measures to facilitate maritime traffic," said Mr Ip at the signing ceremony.

"The Agreement also includes most favoured nation treatment which enables Hong Kong ships to enjoy preferential port dues when calling on Ukrainian ports. It is definitely beneficial to Hong Kong shipowners. It also represents a step forward in Hong Kong's relationship with Ukraine," Mr Ip added.

The Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip (right), and the Minister of Transport of Ukraine, Mr Georgiy Kirpa (left) today (April 2) signed an Agreement on Maritime Transport to strengthen the co-operation in maritime transport between Hong Kong and Ukraine.