Hong Kong has the potential to function as a dual trade gateway connecting South America and mainland China, according to Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan. The city leverages its status as a duty-free port and its wide-ranging global connectivity to adapt to shifts in the global economy.
In an interview, Chan explained that Hong Kong has seen increased port throughput from regions including Asia, Africa, and South America. Specifically, from 2018 to 2024, transshipments going from mainland China to South America through Hong Kong marked a cumulative rise of 14%, while imports from South America to the mainland via Hong Kong increased by 48%.
Chan has actively engaged with mainland regions such as Guangxi, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shanghai to promote Hong Kong's transport and logistics services. She pointed to the mainland's efforts to expand western logistics corridors, integrating ports, canals, and railways to facilitate export and transshipment activities.
"Hong Kong's strength lies in its vast air and sea network," Chan stated, emphasizing the city's connectivity through its international airport and port, which links over 200 and 400 destinations, respectively.
An initiative of note includes the use of regular freight trains transporting goods from Chongqing or Chengdu to Shenzhen's Yantian Port. Certain cargoes are then transferred by barge to Hong Kong's Kwai Tsing Container Terminals for global dispatch. Kwai Tsing Terminals feature Asia's largest collection of refrigerated container plugs, enhancing its role in cold chain logistics as a "Gateway to South America" for southern China.
Chan highlighted the demand for certain products like cherries. These are moved through the "Cherry Express" route, reaching Hong Kong before being transported overland to the mainland, supplying 40% of southern China's cherry needs.
Despite global market instabilities, efficient customs processes, a multi-port network, and charter flight offerings have supported continued cargo volume growth, with May figures up 1.4% year-on-year. Improved multimodal transport links, including rail-to-sea routes via nearby ports, have further strengthened business durability.
Looking forward, Chan announced plans to explore a 50% tax concession for commodities traders and shipping firms that set up in Hong Kong, targeting sectors such as metals, agricultural products, and new energy.
Source: The Standard