China's 5-year plan promotes Hong Kong as American logistics centre
China has recognised the importance of Hong Kong as a regional logistics centre for both mainland and the region itself to support US logistics firms, said Hong Kong Transport and Housing Secretary Eva Cheng at a business luncheon in Los Angeles for importers and exporters, Shippingazette reported.
Ms Cheng said Hong Kong had been emphasised in China's Five Year plan for its ability to offer transparency of law, protection of intellectual property and rapid cargo clearance with consistent customs regulations and enforcement for shippers.
"It's not just about moving cargo. It's also about moving documents and money. Hong Kong provides all-around services," Ms Cheng.
"It is against this backdrop that international brands like H&M, Tiffany and Timberland decided to set up their regional base in Hong Kong to manage their supply chain operations in the whole of Asia," she said, giving examples of the Marks and Spencer appointment of Hong Kong-headquartered Kerry Logistics for Greater China, and the of a DHL multi-purpose facility that opens next year.
Despite its drop from top-ranking gateway, overtaken by Shanghai, Hong Kong provides half of its weekly 400 vessel sailings bound for US and its cargo growth is projected to remain on course at annual rate of 2.4 per cent.
Adding to the use of advanced manifest filing technology at four border crossings between Hong Kong and the mainland, a fifth is planned so cargo moves "without hiccups" which is supported by its trade financing and logistics services, said Deputy Transport Secretary Doris Cheung.
The development of a bridge and tunnel project from Hong Kong to South China by 2016 will further improve access to the expanding industrial region of the west Pearl River Delta reducing transit time from four hours by truck to one hour.
Ms Cheng said Hong Kong had been emphasised in China's Five Year plan for its ability to offer transparency of law, protection of intellectual property and rapid cargo clearance with consistent customs regulations and enforcement for shippers.
"It's not just about moving cargo. It's also about moving documents and money. Hong Kong provides all-around services," Ms Cheng.
"It is against this backdrop that international brands like H&M, Tiffany and Timberland decided to set up their regional base in Hong Kong to manage their supply chain operations in the whole of Asia," she said, giving examples of the Marks and Spencer appointment of Hong Kong-headquartered Kerry Logistics for Greater China, and the of a DHL multi-purpose facility that opens next year.
Despite its drop from top-ranking gateway, overtaken by Shanghai, Hong Kong provides half of its weekly 400 vessel sailings bound for US and its cargo growth is projected to remain on course at annual rate of 2.4 per cent.
Adding to the use of advanced manifest filing technology at four border crossings between Hong Kong and the mainland, a fifth is planned so cargo moves "without hiccups" which is supported by its trade financing and logistics services, said Deputy Transport Secretary Doris Cheung.
The development of a bridge and tunnel project from Hong Kong to South China by 2016 will further improve access to the expanding industrial region of the west Pearl River Delta reducing transit time from four hours by truck to one hour.