The 5th China (Dongjiang) Shipping Industry Week took place in Tianjin Binhai New Area from June 10 to 12, under the theme “Reshaping Order – Enhancing the International Competitiveness of China’s Maritime Finance.” The event brought together industry leaders to explore maritime finance innovation, deepen the “Dongjiang + Hong Kong” cooperation model, and drive high-quality development in China’s shipping sector.

Maritime Finance and Legal Cooperation

On June 10, Hing Chao, Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping (HKCoS), joined the 8th China Maritime Finance and Legal Seminar, co-hosted by the Dongjiang Free Trade Port Zone Administrative Committee, Tianjin Maritime Court, and the CASS Center for the Law of Sea Studies, with HKCoS as a supporting organization.

In a video address, Paul Lam, Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong, said Hong Kong can share its advanced experience in maritime dispute resolution to support Tianjin’s legal framework.

Chairman Chao urged Chinese shipping companies and leasing firms to choose Hong Kong as their preferred arbitration venue and called for stronger cooperation with Dongjiang in ship leasing and financial services. HKCoS Honorary Legal Advisor Li Lianjun also spoke on the impact of U.S. Section 301 measures, warning that protectionist actions have created risks for Chinese shipping companies and stressed the need for stronger contract and risk management.

Opening Ceremony and Media Engagement

At the June 11 opening ceremony, Chao highlighted Tianjin and Hong Kong’s complementary roles as China’s two major shipping centres. He noted that despite geopolitical and environmental challenges, initiatives such as the Belt and Road and RCEP present historic opportunities.

Following his speech, Chao was interviewed by Xinhua, the Financial Times, and Tianjin Daily, sharing views on consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international shipping hub and strengthening cooperation with Dongjiang. He also met with Lian Maojun, Standing Committee Member of Tianjin, and Li Cailiang, Director of the Dongjiang Free Trade Port Zone, to discuss development in cooperation, innovation, and internationalization.

Maritime Finance Salon: Opportunities Amid Challenges

In the afternoon, Chao also joined the Maritime Finance Salon, where leaders from shipping, leasing, and finance discussed the impact of U.S. Section 301 investigations and other key issues. Participants agreed that while U.S. protectionism and restrictions on Chinese shipping and shipbuilding pose serious challenges, they also create opportunities.

Chao voiced confidence in the future of China’s leasing industry but urged companies to build stronger capabilities in law, finance, vessel management, and risk control to better navigate global uncertainties.

“Dongjiang + Hong Kong” as a Growth Engine

Chao emphasized that Hong Kong’s strengths in legal services, offshore RMB, and financial innovation complement Dongjiang’s leasing and arbitration capabilities. Together, he said, they can build a world-class ecosystem for maritime finance and shipping services.