Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung led a delegation to Shanghai today to promote Hong Kong’s maritime industry and its strengths in high value-added maritime services.

Mr Lam and the delegation first met representatives of the China Ports & Harbours Association to exchange ideas on port development and explore opportunities for strengthening ties between Hong Kong and Shanghai with regard to port services.

They later had dinner with representatives of the China Shipowners’ Association and financial leasing enterprises from Shanghai and Beijing, during which Mr Lam spoke of the Hong Kong maritime industry’s advantages in enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the rest of the world.

Mr Lam, who is also Hong Kong Maritime & Port Board Chairman, also extended an invitation to local shipowners and finance practitioners either to establish a presence or expand their business in Hong Kong.

He pointed out that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to promoting high value-added maritime services and facilitating the development of the city’s maritime industry chain, with a view to making it a leading international maritime centre.

“Over the past three years, we have successively implemented tax concessions and fee reduction measures for ship leasing, marine insurance, ship agency, ship management and other related businesses so as to attract more high value-added maritime enterprises to establish their presence in Hong Kong.

“In order to further broaden Hong Kong’s maritime network, the Hong Kong SAR Government and Invest Hong Kong will step up efforts in promoting Hong Kong's advantages in domestic and overseas markets.”