The Government announced today that the Chief Executive has appointed a chairman and members to the Hong Kong Maritime & Port Development Board (HKMPDB) for a term of three years, effective from July 1.

Moses Cheng has been named chairman, while the board’s other members are Angad Banga, Sabrina Chao, Bjorn Hojgaard, Wellington Koo, Timothy Lee, Edward Liu, Billy Mak, Alan Tung and Frankie Yick.

The board also includes a number of ex-officio members, namely the Secretary for Transport & Logistics or an assigned representative, the Commissioner for Maritime & Port Development, the Director of Marine, the Director-General of Investment Promotion, and the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that the existing Hong Kong Maritime & Port Board would be reconstituted as the HKMPDB. Chaired by a non-official member and with other members largely coming from the maritime sector, this high-level advisory body is expected to assist the Government in formulating policies and long-term development strategies.

The HKMPDB will be supported by dedicated staff and provided with additional funding to enhance its research capabilities, strengthen its Mainland and overseas promotional work, and step up manpower training, with a view to supporting the Government in policy implementation and promoting the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s maritime industry.

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan stressed that consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre is a top priority for the Government, a strategic objective of the country, and particular importance for the city’s economic development.

“The establishment of the HKMPDB is a key step in this institutional reform. It is hoped that the new board will adopt an innovative and change-embracing spirit in supporting the Government to lead the maritime and port industry to further leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages and enhance the industry’s global competitiveness in the midst of geopolitical challenges.

“Under the leadership of Mr Cheng, I am confident that board members will make valuable contributions to the work of the HKMPDB with their respective expertise and experience, and continue to advance side by side with the industry.”

The Government added that four committees, namely the Port Development Committee, the Maritime Services Development Committee, the Promotion & External Relations Committee and the Manpower Development Committee will be formed under the HKMPDB to focus on specific areas of work. Appointments to these committees will be announced later this month.