The long-anticipated opening of Hong Kong Maritime Week went ahead as scheduled today (18 November) before a large international and local gathering of maritime leaders and professionals.
Opening proceedings, Secretary for Transport and Housing and Chairman of the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board, Frank Chan acknowledged the support of organizers and delegates alike for their unstinting support during uncertain times for the territory.
“The Hong Kong Maritime Week 2019 could not have happened without your unfailing support. Amid the social unrest, your presence speaks for itself and means a lot to us and to Hong Kong,” he said, before relating some of the key events in store during an event packed week of international conferences, forums, and light-hearted activities such as visits, exhibitions and family fun days.
Mr Chan acknowledged the challenges facing the global shipping industry but also took the opportunity to highlight measures being taken by local and national government to help mitigate the adverse impact of global headwinds for industry players who have made their home in the territory.
“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” Helen Keller’s statement about a century ago speaks equally well today,” he said.
“With a sluggish economic outlook and social unrest across the globe, strong headwinds are coming our way for the entire maritime community. It is all the more important that we band together to weather the storm. With the invaluable inputs and contributions of the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board and trade members, the Government is taking proactive measures to further the maritime industry.
These include introducing tax concession for ship leasing businesses, facilitating measures to attract overseas maritime principals to Hong Kong, funding injection for maritime manpower development and service expansion of the Hong Kong Shipping Register. We are determined and committed to supporting each and every member of our maritime community, local and global.
“Our voyage will not stop just because the sea is rough. Instead, we build a greener and better ship to rise above the storm,” he declared before a clearly appreciative audience.
At the time of going to press around 40 are set to go ahead as planned over the next five days.
Source:
hongkongmaritimehub
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