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.
Speech by CE at Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International Convention 2026 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
