U.K., Hong Kong to increase maritime collaboration

Representatives from London Maritime and Hong Kong Maritime & Port Board met last week to sign an agreement for increased shipping services between the two regions.    Maritime business representatives of the U.K. and Hong Kong have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for increased collaboration in the maritime industry and services.
   Representatives from Maritime London, the promotional body for U.K.-based companies in the shipping industry met with the Hong Kong Maritime & Port Board (HKMPB) during London International Shipping Week to sign the MOU.
   “The Hong Kong and U.K. maritime business communities have a unique historical relationship and very strong ties. Nearly 10 percent of the world’s ships are managed or owned in Hong Kong, it is home to one of the world’s leading hub ports and an important gateway to mainland China,” Maritime London Chairman, Lord Mountevans said of the agreement.
   “Both the U.K. and Hong Kong look beyond their borders and provide world beating maritime expertise to global shipowners, traders and charterers. This agreement is designed to help both London and Hong Kong businesses collaborate and prosper with the support of their respective representative bodies,” said Mountevans.
   The HKMPB was created in 2016 to enable the development of Hong Kong’s maritime and port services.
   “By working together, London and Hong Kong can grow together,” said Hong Kong Transport Secretary Chan. “Both cities are key international shipping and trading hubs with a shared outward looking and entrepreneurial spirit. Both serve regions beyond their own borders and both have an exciting future. We are delighted by the prospect of a closer working relationship than ever before.”