COUNTRY REPORT.docVIP

COUNTRY REPORT FOR THE 31ST EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING OF THE FEDERATION OF ASIA PACIFIC AIR CARGO ASSOCIATIONS (FAPAA) IN GOLD COAST – AUSTRALIA 24-25 MAY 2004 Content List : Country Report - Chairman’s Report for the year 2003-2004 - Airfreight Liaison Sub-Committee - China Trade Sub-Committee - External Affairs Sub-Committee - FIATA Liaison Sub-Committee - LOGSCOUNCIL Sub-Committee - Membership Sub-Committee - Public Relations Sub-Committee - Seafreight Sub-Committee Training Education Report (attached in a separate file) HAFFA Secretariat 8/F, China Hong Kong Centre, 122-126 Canton Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2796 3121 Fax: (852) 2796 3719, (852)2754 8926 Email: enquiry@.hk Website: .hkCHAIRMAN’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2003 - 2004 Dear Fellow Members, Overview Strong economic fundamentals in the Mainland?and continued improvement of the US and European markets have provided solid support for the growth of freight and logistics industries of Hong Kong in year 2003.? Air cargo throughput last year has reached 2.47 million tones (increase of 5.8% over 2002).? Sea-freight volume handled by Hong Kong port has also produced positive growth?with over 20 million TEUs in 2003, though at much lesser rate when compared to other South China ports.? On operations, the industry has again demonstrated its resilience and responsiveness in minimizing impact on service level to shippers due to the severe disruption on flight schedule during the SARS-affected period. Hong Kong maintains our well-deserved recognition as the leading air-cargo hub in the region and worldwide. CEPA The Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) provides momentum for the continuous recovery of Hong Kong economy and business opportunities for the logistics industry. According to Trade and Industry Department (as at 08 April 2004), 118 applications for the “Certificate of Hong Kong Service Supplier” received are under the transportation and logistics sector and 91 a