Hong Kong and mainland relevant departments are seeking ways to boost cross boundary logistics efficiency, said a Hong Kong official Wednesday (Mar. 10).

Stephen Ip, secretary for economic development and labor, said at a Legislative Council meeting that Hong Kong Airport Authority (AA) has started discussion with the Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) on cooperation to develop cargo services in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) through simplified customs clearance procedures.

He said further cooperation proposes include the development of an air cargo consolidation center (ACCC) in the PRD region, where cargo could be cleared by customs and packed within ACCC, thereby obviating the need for cross-border cargo to undergo customs inspection at Huanggang, a busy border check.

"In this regard, HACTL will capitalize on its experience in itscargo consolidation center in the Futian Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in neighboring Shenzhen, where customs clearance is conducted within the FTZ and there is no need to clear customs again at Huanggang,"said Ip.

He said proposals explored by the AA and HACTL will help expedite the export of cargo, resulting in greater efficiency and savings in time and cost.

Ip stressed the need for and the strategic importance of cross boundary cooperation in logistics development, saying that the government will consult the stakeholders of the logistics industryand the authorities in the PRD region to identify initiatives for implementation.

"This will further enhance cross boundary logistics cooperationbetween Hong Kong and the PRD," Ip told the councilors.

Editor: Donald