Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip has launched his visit to Greece to promote Hong Kong's development as a shipping hub.

He gave his Economic & Maritime Developments in Asia speech at the Maritime Policy Forum of the Posidonia 2004 International Shipping Exhibition today. Held biennially in Greece, the exhibition is a major international event on the maritime industry calendar.

Mr Ip is leading a Hong Kong delegation in support of the HK Pavilion exhibition at Posidonia 2004 which is jointly organised by the HK Maritime Industry Council, the Marine Department and the HK Trade Development Council.

The exhibition showcases the comprehensive maritime services provided in Hong Kong and promotes its development as an international shipping centre in Asia. This is the second time Hong Kong's Pavilion has been set up at the exhibition.

During his stay, Mr Ip will meet Greek Minister of Merchant Shipping Manolis Kefaloyannis to exchange views on maritime issues and discuss the latest shipping developments. Mr Ip will also meet with Minister of Transports & Telecommunications Mihalis Liapis.