International Shipping Centre

40.         In the National 12th Five-Year Plan, the CPG has made clear its support for Hong Kong to reinforce and enhance its status as an international shipping centre. I would like to emphasise that the concept of "shipping centre" covers both aviation and maritime transport. We will continue to improve our aviation, maritime and land transport facilities and their connectivity, and reinforce and enhance Hong Kong's role as a regional hub for passenger and cargo traffic.

41.         We will build on the strengths of our existing terminal business to develop our international maritime services. The business environment in Hong Kong is highly globalised with a sophisticated financial system, robust legal system and deep pool of well qualified professionals. The development of affiliated maritime services in Hong Kong has been gaining momentum in recent years. These include ship management, shipping agency, ship finance, marine insurance, ship registration and legal services. We will take account of recommendations in a consultancy study to be completed later this year as we seek to reinforce the maritime service cluster and develop high value-added maritime services. This is an example of how we may "expand" our industries.

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