HKPC Organizes Forum on Logistics for the Future

Over 300 representatives from the local business community attended the "Logistics Forum for the Future" held at the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today (9 November 2004) to obtain the latest market and technological updates on the development of the logistics industry.

Organized by HKPC, the Forum provided a communication platform for industry experts from government, academic, trade and industry sectors to share their views on the future of logistics, the latest technologies and their impact on manufacturing industries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, The Hon. Andrew Leung, Chairman of HKPC, said, "Hong Kong, with its prime geographical location, world-class infrastructure, highly efficient transportation services, as well as excellent physical and information connectivity, has long established itself as the preferred logistics hub in Asia."

"However, changes in the regional and global economic landscape are likely to have a great impact on the logistics needs of Hong Kong manufacturers. Foremost among these factors are the implementation of CEPA and China's accession to the WTO. Under CEPA, 1,087 articles made in Hong Kong now enjoy 'zero import tariff' in the Mainland market. In addition, CEPA allows Hong Kong logistics companies to operate in the Mainland which will no doubt strengthen their role in this rapidly growing logistics market. By 2006, when China lowers its trade barriers according to its WTO commitments, the implications for Hong Kong's logistics industry will be tremendous." he said.

"To capture these opportunities and to sustain our competitiveness, Hong Kong should deploy state-of-the-art technologies, and forge ahead to become the most advanced but affordable transportation centre to serve the dynamically growing economy of the region," he said.

"To drive the technology development of the local logistics industry, HKPC is actively engaged in the promotion of radio frequency identification (RFID) as a key to enhancing the competitiveness of local trade and industry and is prepared to play a major role in the Logistics R&D Centre proposed by the Hong Kong SAR Government, acting as a bridge between local software vendors and logistics users," Mr Leung added.

The Forum's opening ceremony was officiated by Ms Sandra Lee, Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour (Economic Development), HKSAR Government. Forum panelists included Dr Wong Wing Shing, Science Advisor, Innovation and Technology Commission, HKSAR Government; Mr K K Yeung, Executive Director, HKPC; Mr Victor Mok, Chairman, Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding & Logistics Ltd; Mr Anthony Lau, Chairman & Chief Executive, BALtrans Holdings Limited; Mr Willy Lin, Chairman, Hong Kong Shippers' Council; and Ms Dora Kay, Head of International Marketing, Airport Authority Hong Kong.

Other speakers from both the public and private sectors included: Dr Andrew Lim, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Prof Cheung Wai Man, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Prof C J Tan, The University of Hong Kong; Ms Anna Lin, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Article Numbering Association; Dr Chao Shen Chang, Vice President, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Co. Ltd.; Mr Kelly Yu, Chairman, Hong Kong International Courier Association; Mr Lim Chee Kean, President, SAVI Technology Asia Pte Ltd.; Mr Peter Stokes, Senior Vice President (DTTN), Tradelink Electronic Commerce Limited; Mr Li Xing Gui, Executive Director and President, DICHAIN Holdings; Mr Vincent Li, General Manager (Enterprise Value & Logistics Consultancy) and Dr Lawrence Cheung, Principal Consultant (Information Technology Industry Development) of HKPC.

For media queries, please contact:
Ms Betty Lee
General Manager
Corporate Communications and Events
HKPC
Tel: (852) 2788 6202
Fax: (852) 2788 5056
E-mail: annabell@hkpc.org

HKPC
9 November 2004