Hong Kong Forwarders Welcome 2024 Policy Address as Boost for Air Cargo Sector

The Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (HAFFA) has expressed strong support for the 2024 policy address delivered by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, which includes plans to enhance cargo capacity and logistics services in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

In his annual address, Lee outlined initiatives aimed at revitalizing the region’s economy, including an action plan for logistics development. This plan involves releasing four logistics sites for state-of-the-art facility development and promoting a study on logistics clusters in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area.

HAFFA chairman Gary Lau praised the address, stating it reflects the Central Government's ongoing support for Hong Kong as an international aviation and maritime hub, as highlighted in the “14th Five Year Plan.” He emphasized that expanding high-value-added logistics services and cargo capacity, enhancing air cargo advantages, and facilitating cross-border e-commerce logistics are critical areas that the government is committed to developing.

Additionally, Lee announced plans to strengthen cooperation with neighboring regions through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) and to extend the Transshipment Cargo Exemption Schedule to other intermodal transshipment methods, boosting competitiveness in air transshipment for strategic commodities such as pharmaceuticals and frozen goods.
HAFFA noted the Chief Executive's intention to review the existing regulatory framework to eliminate barriers in the sorting and delivery of inbound goods, further supporting Hong Kong’s goal of becoming a center for cross-boundary e-commerce distribution logistics.

The address was also positively received by Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), which supports plans to expand flights to new destinations. Vivian Cheung, acting chief executive of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, expressed gratitude for the measures outlined in the address, particularly those aimed at enhancing HKIA's aviation network and relaxing visa policies to promote travel and business with ASEAN countries. The authority plans to advance the Airport City strategy and develop the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park further.