CE Opens Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International Convention 2026, Highlighting Hong Kong's Role as Global Logistics Hub

Speech by CE at Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International Convention 2026

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International Convention 2026 today (September 22):

Mr Jan Steenberg (President, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International), Ir Professor Sam Chow (President, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong), members of the Chartered Institute, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is a great pleasure to join you today at the Opening Ceremony of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International Convention. To our overseas delegates, a warm welcome to Hong Kong, Asia's World City.

I am delighted that this year's International Convention is taking place here in Hong Kong. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, after all, is the global professional body for transport and logistics practitioners. And Hong Kong is a premier international logistics hub.

The timing could not be better. We have just unveiled Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan, which includes a masterplan for the development of our logistics sector.

That masterplan is built on four corridors. First, the cold chain corridor. We are committed to Hong Kong's rise as an international centre for cold chain trade. We have the experience and wide-ranging expertise. We also have the largest number of refrigerated container plugs in the region. And we are primed to build international, cold chain logistics corridors between South China and South America - with Hong Kong at the centre.

Second, the transshipment corridor. We will strengthen Hong Kong as a key node, actively participating in the national development of a smart and green logistics model. That means water-to-water transshipment powered by electric, autonomous ships. It also means better land freight links to the Chinese Mainland. We will work with ports such as Yangpu, Yantian and Huizhou.

We will do the same in aviation. Hong Kong is the world's busiest air cargo hub, and our air freight connectivity continues to grow. Our new routes to Central Asia are a good example.

Third, the green energy corridor. It will connect Hong Kong with green maritime-fuel production bases in the Chinese Mainland, giving us a stable supply for bunkering and trading. The corridor will also strengthen our port's green credentials. Hong Kong is the world's seventh-largest bunkering hub. Since 2025, we have bunkered over 330 000 tonnes of green maritime fuel. And we are just getting started.

Fourth, the digital logistics corridor. We have built it through the Port Community System. The System improves supply chain visibility. It attracts cargo to route through Hong Kong, opening up trade-financing opportunities. To date, more than 8 000 enterprises have registered. I am confident that number will keep growing, that the benefits will become ever more visible.

The theme of this year's Convention is "Global Corridors, Collaboration Excellence". How fitting. Hong Kong has always been a crossroads of the world - the best place to build global corridors.

Our strategic location helps. We sit at the heart of Asia and at the southern gateway to our country, China. Our aviation and shipping networks are vast. Our airport and port infrastructure are world-class. Few places can match our comprehensive, multi-modal logistics system. To take just one example, Hong Kong International Airport has been named the world's busiest cargo airport 15 times since 2010.

The Convention theme's second part is no less essential: yes, collaboration. No logistics hub succeeds alone. We welcome co-operation with friends near and far, East and West. Hong Kong is more than accommodating. Here, reaching out, working with the world, is our natural resource.

I am also pleased that you can take part in technical visits today. They will take place in Hong Kong and other cities in the Greater Bay Area. We want you to see how our expanding collaboration is making the Greater Bay Area one of the world's most economically vibrant regions. The future for transport and logistics.

And the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong is helping to realise that future. It has long been our staunch partner in promoting logistics excellence. My thanks to CILTHK (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong) and to CILT International (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International).

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all a fruitful Convention. May you build new corridors - of knowledge, partnership and trust - during your stay with us in Hong Kong. Thank you.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International Convention 2026 today (September 22). Photo shows Mr Lee (centre) officiating at the eye-dotting ceremony for the lion dance. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International Convention 2026 today (September 22). Photo shows Mr Lee (centre); the President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International, Mr Jan Steenberg (eighth right); the President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong, Professor Sam Chow (eighth left); and other guests at the Convention. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, speaks at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International Convention 2026 today (September 22). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSAR Government solemnly rebuts joint statement by ten countries concerning case of Wong Chi-fung

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) issued a solemn statement today (November 7) expressing strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to a so-called joint statement issued by ten countries, namely the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand concerning the sentencing in the "conspiracy to commit collusion" case of Wong Chi-fung, which deliberately distorted facts and smeared the HKSAR.

A spokesperson for the HKSAR Government pointed out that the statement in question disregards facts, blatantly interferes with the judicial power and power of independent adjudication exercised by the HKSAR in accordance with the law, and maliciously smears the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL)). The HKSAR Government strongly urges the countries concerned to immediately cease interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China's internal affairs.

The spokesperson stated that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law. The HKSAR Government has been consistently fulfilling its constitutional duty to safeguard national security in accordance with the law, upholding the principles that laws must be observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account. Wong Chi-fung pleaded guilty to the charge of "conspiracy to commit collusion with foreign countries or with external elements to endanger national security" under the HKNSL. The HKSAR court, acting in strict accordance with the law and judicial procedures, based on objective facts and sufficient evidence, has delivered a sentence independently and impartially, fully manifesting the spirit of the rule of law in Hong Kong.

The spokesperson stressed that everyone is equal before the law. Regardless of their political stance, background or status, anyone who breaks the law must be held legally accountable. Attempting to distort criminal judgments handed down in accordance with the law into actions targeting "political expression" or "political participation" is purely political manipulation deliberately intended to confuse the public and distort right and wrong.

The spokesperson pointed out that the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law are fully protected by the Constitution, the Basic Law, and the HKNSL, among others. However, all rights and freedoms must be exercised within the legal framework and cannot be used as a pretext for engaging in acts that endanger national security.

It is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security. Not only is this in accordance with international law and international relations based on the Charter of the United Nations, but also an international practice. Many Western countries, including the UK and the US, maintain extensive and strict national security legal frameworks, and will absolutely not allow their citizens to collude with external forces to endanger their own national security. There are numerous cases in the countries concerned where their own citizens as well as foreign nationals have been prosecuted on charges such as "foreign agent" and "foreign interference", not to mention instances of arbitrary arrest and malicious prosecution. The groundless attacks by the countries concerned on Hong Kong's rule of law and judicial system, or their attempts to interfere with the HKSAR's work in safeguarding national security in accordance with the law through political pressure, only demonstrate their hypocritical double standards, which are utterly ugly and despicable.

The HKSAR Government urges the countries concerned to stop making irresponsible and misleading remarks, and to cease interfering in any form in the operation of judicial proceedings of the HKSAR and Hong Kong affairs, which are purely China's internal affairs. Any attempt to shake the determination of the HKSAR Government to safeguard national security is bound to be in vain and will never succeed.

The HKSAR Government will continue to steadfastly perform its duty of safeguarding national security, fully and faithfully implement the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, safeguard the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems".

Source: AI-found images