Visits

The Secretary for Transport and Housing and Chairman of the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board (HKMPB), Mr Frank Chan Fan, and the Commissioner for Maritime and Port Development visited London from 12 to 13 September 2017 to promote Hong Kong as an international maritime centre and reinforce relationship with UK maritime counterparts.

During the visit, Mr Chan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the HKMPB with Lord Jeffrey Mounteavans, Chairman of Maritime London on 12 September. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the UK Minister of State for the Department of Transport, Rt Hon John Hayes, CBE, MP, and attended by Hong Kong and London shipping communities. The MoU marks an important milestone for Hong Kong and London to join hands and step up efforts to promote the development of maritime industry. It aims at fostering collaboration between the two economies in promoting the maritime industry and high value-added maritime services.

Mr Chan and the Commissioner also met with Rt Hon John Hayes, CBE, MP, to exchange views on the development of the global maritime industry and explore opportunities to enhance cooperation between Hong Kong and London.

In addition, Mr Chan delivered a speech at the Belt and Road Initiative seminar "China's Belt & Road: How far along are we?" organised by Maritime London on 13 September. He elaborated on the opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative, promoted Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and encouraged maritime services companies in London to set up in Hong Kong.

Through the meetings, gatherings and seminar during the two-day visit, Hong Kong's status as an international maritime centre and our relationship with UK maritime counterparts were reinforced.