Hong Kong and the United States today exchanged letters of understanding on cooperation in the US Secure Freight Initiative, in which Hong Kong will participate in a limited capacity on a pilot basis.

Hong Kong's Director-General of Trade & Industry Joseph Lai, Commissioner of Customs & Excise Richard Yuen and US Acting Consul-General Christopher Marut signed the letters.

"As a major business hub and one of the busiest container ports in the world, Hong Kong fully recognises the importance of enhancing the security of the global maritime trading system through international cooperation. A more secure maritime trade environment will help ensure the smooth flow of seaborne cargo," Mr Lai said.

Hong Kong's port already contributes positively towards a safe international maritime trade environment, he said, adding the city's participation in the initiative would provide added assurances - enhancing the port's competitiveness.

Mr Yuen said the initiative's aim was to use radiation detection, imaging, and related equipment to scan maritime cargo containers to help detect and prohibit illicit trafficking of special nuclear material and other radioactive material destined for the US.

The two places' Customs authorities will work together closely to facilitate the identification and screening of high-risk containers, Mr Yuen added.

Containers leaving Hong Kong for the US delivered through the in-gate of Modern Terminals in Kwai Chung will be scanned on a voluntary basis. US-bound containers which have undergone the scanning process will be less likely to be subject to security inspection on their arrival at the US ports.