HONG KONG, April 4 — Candidates vying for the Legislative Council seat representing the shipping and transport sector faced off today in a government-hosted forum, debating Hong Kong’s economic pillars, infrastructure challenges, and professional preparedness for large-scale crises. The forum, titled “Cohesion of Care,” featured Fung Kai-pui, Director of China Affairs at the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, and Lam Ming-fung, Chairman and General Manager of Hong Kong Ming Wah Shipping under China Merchants Group. The session began with a minute of collective silence, and the customary candidate cheerleading segment was canceled.
During his platform introduction, Fung Kai-pui warned that the city’s logistics, transport, and shipping industries faced acute challenges, describing the current situation as being “in dire straits.” He asserted that while Hong Kong retains inherent strengths in aviation, shipping, logistics, and cargo handling, realizing their potential requires comprehensive policy, clear strategic alignment, and robust execution.
A Call for New Port Authority and Digitalization
Fung’s core proposal centered on establishing a dedicated Shipping and Port Authority to guide the sector’s long-term development. He advocated for accelerating the digitalization of port operations, constructing “green smart ports,” maximizing the capacity of the new three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), and strengthening connectivity with mainland China’s southwestern regions to attract greater cargo volume. Furthermore, he promised to streamline cross-border customs procedures, crack down on illegal ride-sharing operations (“white-plate taxis”), and promote the green transition, including rapidly expanding charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Lam Ming-fung, who has nearly 30 years invested in the transport industry, framed the sector as the crucial bridge connecting Hong Kong to the world and essential to the city’s economic lifeblood. He emphasized leveraging his international insight and professional experience to foster growth. Lam proposed boosting Hong Kong’s overall economic momentum as a prerequisite for sectoral success. Key planks of his platform included cultivating professional talent, promoting ecological sustainability, optimizing policy to facilitate road traffic, and bolstering HKIA’s international competitiveness.
Industry’s Role in Crisis Response
The candidates were challenged regarding the transport sector’s role in assisting residents during major disasters, such as the recent devastating fire in Tai Po.
Fung Kai-pui highlighted the industry’s swift cooperation during the emergency response. He detailed how the sector, in coordination with MTR and bus companies, established “green channels” for relief efforts, adjusted 12 bus routes, launched dedicated shuttle services to shelter centers, and extended service hours. He noted cross-border enterprises facilitated transportation for affected residents to visit family and ensured point-to-point accessible transport for the elderly, disabled, and schoolchildren. Additionally, logistics companies and terminal operators established temporary distribution hubs at ports, expedited the customs clearance of relief supplies from the mainland, and used digital platforms to disseminate real-time information across various transit apps and social media.
Lam Ming-fung stressed that the transport sector, encompassing air, sea, and land logistics, provides vital grassroots services. If elected, he committed to working with the government and the industry to provide comprehensive support—spanning daily necessities, accommodation, and particularly transport convenience—to aid post-disaster resettlement and reconstruction efforts. He concluded that the industry’s resilience transforms its physical infrastructure into a supportive social network, ensuring continuity of services and providing human-centric aid.
Systemic Reform and Public Safety
Addressing how they would support the Chief Executive’s mandate for systemic reform following the fire—specifically concerning construction safety, maintenance, procurement, corruption, and fire system supervision—candidates outlined measures to prevent future tragedies.
Lam Ming-fung expressed support for the Chief Executive establishing an independent committee. He pledged to use legislative procedures to elevate public safety regulations to a higher legal status and focus on rebuilding public trust in urban safety. His related proposals included enhancing fire facilities and escape routes in older buildings, promoting community disaster preparedness, and integrating technology to improve municipal governance.
Fung Kai-pui focused on institutionalizing rapid mobilization, cross-boundary coordination, and technological application. He advocated for making temporary “green channels” and route adjustments permanent emergency protocols. Furthermore, he proposed deepening collaborative rescue efforts with Guangdong province and other Greater Bay Area cities, establishing integrated sea-air-land rescue corridors centered around HKIA and major ports, ensuring that scattered resources are organized for readiness, use during crises, and post-event evaluation.
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