The need to reduce cross-boundary trucking costs to enhance Hong Kong's port and logistics competitiveness is acknowledged by the Government.

This was the message from Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip today, meeting industry representatives to discuss the issue. They presented him with a proposal on the subject.

Mr Ip said: "We are grateful to the industry for presenting their proposal, which in fact echoes the finding of the Study on Hong Kong Port - Master Plan 2020 commissioned by the Government, that road haulage cost is a key factor affecting the competitiveness of the Hong Kong port."

In the proposal raised by the industry, he said the relaxation of the 'four-up-four-down' and 'one-truck-one-driver' requirements on Hong Kong container vehicles are crucial in enhancing efficiency and reducing cross-boundary trucking costs.

There is a strong industry consensus for the Government to follow up on them, he added.

"As both measures will require discussion with and the co-operation of Guangdong authorities, we will pursue them in the context of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference," Mr Ip said.