The Hong Kong Association of forwarders welcomes expansion of cargo capacity in Greater Bay Area
The Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (HAFFA) has expressed strong support for new initiatives aimed at boosting cargo capacity and logistics services across the Greater Bay Area (GBA), following the annual policy address delivered by Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.
In his speech, Lee outlined several measures to enhance the region’s economic infrastructure, including plans to advance logistics development through the release of four dedicated sites for the creation of state-of-the-art logistics facilities.
Additionally, the government intends to promote the findings of a recent study focused on establishing logistics clusters in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (NDA).
Gary Lau, chairman of HAFFA, praised the policy address, stating: “This year’s address by the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive is a significant step forward for our industry.
“It further underscores the Central Government’s commitment to Hong Kong’s role as an international aviation and maritime hub, as highlighted in the 14th Five-Year Plan.”
Lau added that the planned expansion of high value-added logistics services and cargo capacity throughout the GBA would bolster Hong Kong’s air cargo industry.
Additionally, measures to facilitate cross-boundary e-commerce logistics services are seen as critical to maximising emerging opportunities in the sector.
The government’s initiatives also include strengthening partnerships with neighbouring regions, particularly through the utilisation of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) to enhance connectivity and trade flows.
Another significant move is the extension of the Transshipment Cargo Exemption Schedule (TCES) to include a wider range of intermodal transhipment methods, aimed at boosting competitiveness.
The current TCES framework already facilitates the air transhipment of strategic commodities, such as pharmaceuticals and frozen meats.
As part of efforts to develop Hong Kong into a key centre for cross-boundary e-commerce distribution, the Chief Executive announced a review of the regulatory framework to streamline the processes involved in sorting and delivering inbound goods, further removing logistical barriers.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) also welcomed the announcements, particularly the focus on expanding flight networks and boosting connectivity.
Vivian Cheung, Acting Chief Executive of Airport Authority Hong Kong, commented: “We are grateful for the Chief Executive’s support, particularly the initiatives to enhance HKIA’s aviation network and to relax visa policies, fostering greater travel and business exchanges with ASEAN countries.”
The initiatives laid out in the policy address mark a concerted effort to reinforce Hong Kong’s strategic role in regional trade, aviation, and logistics, and signal a positive outlook for future development in the sector.
More about HAFFA here https://www.haffa.com.hk/portal/
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