Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Kwai Chung Cold Storage Logistics Centre today (September 27):
Jeffrey (Co-founder and Co-CEO of ESR Group, Mr Jeffrey Shen), Donald (Executive Director and CEO of Chinachem Group, Mr Donald Choi), distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman,
Good morning.
It is my great pleasure to join you all here for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new cold chain facility project under the joint venture of ESR Group and Chinachem Group.
Hong Kong, underpinned by its strengths as an international aviation hub and an international shipping centre, has all along been an important logistics hub in Asia. The trading and logistics sector is one of our four key economic pillars, accounting for about one-fifth of our GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and providing over 610 000 jobs, with the logistics sector alone contributing 6.2 per cent to our GDP (or about HK$170 billion) and employing around 184 000 people.
The Government attaches great importance to the development of the logistics industry and has spared no effort in providing a favourable business environment for the trade. One of the Government’s policy directions is to promote a more efficient use of logistics land to support the upgrading and transformation of the logistics sector towards the direction of green and smart solutions, particularly in handling high-value and cold chain products. The development of new multi-storey modern logistics facilities by the industry could definitely complement the Government’s effort in driving this policy direction. Hence, I am very pleased to see that the logistics site here is planned for developing a prime, seven-storey cold storage and logistics facility that integrates technology, sustainable and green building design including automation, greenery, recycling systems and electric vehicle charging parking spaces. We eagerly anticipate the opening of this state-of-the-art modern logistics facility in a few years’ time.
With our premier geographical location, free port status, well-developed infrastructure and experienced professionals, combined with a comprehensive sea, land and air transportation network, Hong Kong has always been playing a pivotal role in facilitating the flow of goods in the region. But our ambitions do not stop here. The Government is formulating an action plan, in consultation with the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council and different stakeholders of the logistics industry, with a view to devising strategies to meet the short, medium and long term development needs of the industry and to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international logistics hub. The action plan will be announced later this year. Please stay tuned!
Congratulations once again to the ESR Group and Chinachem Group on this significant investment, which also cast a vote of confidence over the bright future and immense new opportunities of Hong Kong logistics development. May I also wish the Groups every success in the development of this new facility.
Thank you.
Ends/Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Issued at HKT 13:52
