Against a backdrop of global supply chain restructuring and rising geopolitical risks, Hong Kong’s shipping industry is facing mounting challenges, including cargo diversion, persistently high costs and intensifying competition from regional ports. In his recent op-ed published in Wen Wei Po, Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the Faculty of Business, Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics, noted that the core challenge confronting Hong Kong’s shipping industry is not merely a decline in cargo volume, but a structural imbalance. He argued that Hong Kong must fully leverage its institutional strengths, international networks and strong financial services capabilities to accelerate its transformation into a diversified and integrated shipping hub.
Prof. Lai said that, in line with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong could enhance its overall competitiveness and attractiveness by reducing port and cross-boundary transport costs, promoting direct access for Greater Bay Area lorries to the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals, and encouraging green vessels to call at Hong Kong. At the same time, Hong Kong should focus on developing high-value maritime services, including shipping finance, marine insurance, legal arbitration, ship management and green finance, while also expediting the implementation of electronic bills of lading and the enhancement of the recently launched port community system to improve the integration of logistics, capital and information flows, thereby improving overall service efficiency.
The article also suggests that the ports of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou should clearly define their respective roles: Hong Kong should focus on international trans-shipment and high-end services, Shenzhen on exports from high-tech manufacturing, and Guangzhou on inland intermodal transport. Through coordination and complementarity, rather than destructive competition, the three ports can jointly strengthen the Greater Bay Area’s strategic position as a new global hub for maritime trade.
Online coverage:
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4tnzUaP
| Research Units | Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement |
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