China News Service, Hong Kong, April 5th: Regarding recent media reports that "Hong Kong's status as an international shipping center is rapidly degrading," the Transport and Logistics Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government issued a statement on social media on the 5th, saying that Hong Kong's status as an international shipping center is widely recognized. It is internationally recognized that the unreasonable comments have no factual basis and are made out of nothing. The SAR government will never accept such wanton criticism and attacks that fabricate facts.
In this statement of more than 1,500 words, the Transport and Logistics Bureau gave an example: In the "2023 Xinhua·Baltic: International Shipping Center Development Index Report" which reflects the comprehensive strength of the global shipping center, Hong Kong ranks fourth in the world; Hong Kong's port infrastructure is complete , with a superior geographical location, it provides container liner services with frequent flights and wide coverage. There are more than 300 international container liner services every week, connecting nearly 500 destinations around the world. As the only free and duty-free port in China, Hong Kong Port also has fast customs clearance and efficiency. It has the advantages of high and deep water "supplementary time port", stable business environment and perfect legal system.
In terms of the development of the maritime service industry, Hong Kong has more than 1,100 companies related to port shipping, providing a variety of high-quality maritime services; in 2020, the Baltic International Shipping Association listed Hong Kong as one of the four designated maritime arbitration places, together with London , New York and Singapore, and according to a survey by Queen Mary University of London, Hong Kong ranks third among the world’s most popular arbitration locations, second only to London and Singapore. In addition, Hong Kong-registered ships rank fourth in the world in terms of gross tonnage, and the detention rate under port state supervision in the world is very low. The detention rate in 2023 is only 0.81%.
The statement pointed out that data show that Hong Kong has excellent performance in all aspects of shipping and remains a leading international shipping center.
The statement emphasized that it is unconvincing for the media to use Hong Kong's work in safeguarding national security as an excuse to question Hong Kong's unique advantages. The Maintenance of National Security Ordinance allows Hong Kong to effectively prevent, stop and punish espionage activities, conspiracy traps of foreign intelligence agencies and infiltration and sabotage by hostile forces. After the third reading of the Ordinance is passed, Hong Kong will effectively protect national security, allowing Hong Kong to go into battle without worries, focus on developing the economy, improving people's livelihood, and jointly create a more prosperous and better home. Hong Kong's maritime port industry will continue to ride the waves and develop brilliantly in a stable business environment. (over)