On September 16, the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board expressed its endorsement of a series of initiatives designed to advance the maritime and port industries, as outlined in the Hong Kong First Five-Year Plan and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address released by the SAR government. The First Five-Year Plan provides forward-looking, strategic, and directional guidance for Hong Kong's economic and social development over the next five years, while the Policy Address details the annual administrative priorities for implementing the plan, with the two documents closely interlinked and mutually reinforcing.
In light of profound shifts in the international geopolitical and trade landscape, the measures proposed in these two critical policy documents for maritime and port development are expected to help the industry capture new opportunities and bolster competitiveness, thereby injecting fresh momentum into the long-term growth of Hong Kong as an international maritime center. Dr. Moses Cheng, Chairman of the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board, stated, "We are pleased to see the government respond to industry needs with a forward-looking vision and pragmatic, enterprising policy measures, driving Hong Kong's transformation from a 'tonnage hub' to a 'value hub' and building the city into a global shipping capital."
The Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board is particularly encouraged by the government's new initiatives supporting the green transition of shipping, including the launch of the first Green Energy Corridor with mainland cities within this year. Furthermore, to strengthen the high-value-added maritime services ecosystem, the government will revamp the Hong Kong Ship Registration system, including the introduction of a dual-flag registration scheme. The Board will also collaborate with industry stakeholders to explore actionable plans for integrating finance with shipping, with focused research on maritime insurance and ship financing.
Additionally, the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board supports the government, together with terminal operators, in formulating a roadmap for the smart and green development of Kwai Tsing Container Terminals, advancing the construction of a green and smart port. The Board will also take an active role in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area port cluster, promoting efficient collaboration among regional ports.
At the same time, the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board welcomes the government's efforts to further leverage the strategic value of the Port Community System, utilizing blockchain technology to advance cargo tracking for offshore trade and ensuring the industry remains at the forefront of digital transformation.
Looking ahead, the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board looks forward to continuing its close partnership with the government to drive the further advancement of Hong Kong's shipping industry. The First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address set a clear direction for the development of Hong Kong's maritime and port sectors, and the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board will continue to assist in translating these measures into tangible outcomes, working hand-in-hand with the industry to break new ground and further elevate the competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international maritime center.