Hong Kong should leverage its air transport, shipping and high-value logistics experience to strengthen its status as an international maritime centre, and air transport and logistics hub, CC Tung, the convenor of a focus group on maritime, logistics and infrastructure, says.

Mr Tung noted intense competition from neighbouring areas - in particular on port-related logistics services. His group considered such a policy direction would provide the growth impetus for the local economy and complement the nation's economic development.

After consultation with industries and academics, his group proposed an action agenda with nine strategies and 27 action items. They include measures to strengthen Hong Kong's competitive edge in providing high-value supply-chain logistics services and to enhance the cost-effectiveness of cross-boundary freight transport.

The group also advises strengthening the maritime industry and Hong Kong's position as an international and regional aviation hub. In particular, they spy improvements in the use and management of airspace, and suggest increasing the airport's capacity.

On cross-boundary transport infrastructure, the group also proposed establishing a high-level co-ordination mechanism to formulate a comprehensive strategy; to adopt a forward-looking perspective in cross-boundary transport development; and explore more direct and convenient links between Hong Kong and major Mainland cities and airports.