The Second Zhejiang–Hong Kong Modern Services Cooperation Conference was held on July 26, bringing together senior officials and industry leaders from both sides. At the opening ceremony, Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC and Honorary Advisor of the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping (HKCoS), stressed that deeper cooperation would highlight the unique advantages of “One Country, Two Systems.”

Other distinguished speakers included Lian Yimin, Chairman of the Zhejiang Provincial CPPCC; Ma Lihuai, Vice Minister of the United Front Work Department; Tang Feifan, Mayor of Ningbo; and Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government.

Representing HKCoS, Hing Chao delivered keynote speeches at both the opening ceremony and the “Maritime Services” session, outlining Hong Kong’s transformation and future vision while presenting a blueprint for deeper cooperation.

Hong Kong’s Competitive Edge

As a global shipping hub, Hong Kong combines a rich maritime tradition with international connectivity. Chao highlighted three defining strengths: 

• Legal: A trusted common law system with world-class arbitration.
• Finance: Growth of an Asia-Pacific ship leasing hub supported by tax concessions.
• Trade:Free port advantages that reinforce global commerce links.

With Ningbo Zhoushan Port now the world’s largest, Chao called for Zhejiang and Hong Kong to combine Zhejiang’s industrial base with Hong Kong’s international services to build a more resilient shipping ecosystem and capture opportunities from the global economy’s eastward shift.

Towards a Shared Industry Ecosystem

The afternoon “Maritime Services” session featured Ye Hong, Party Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Port and Shipping Administration Center; Liu Chun-san, Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics of Hong Kong; and Lyu Jian, Chief Representative of HKTDC for East and Central China, alongside industry representatives. The session was co-chaired by Ren Jinqun, Deputy Head of the Beilun District Government, and Gary Chan, Founder and CEO of Xinde Marine.

Chao emphasized Hong Kong’s role as a preferred arbitration venue and encouraged wider use of RMB settlement to strengthen trade security. He also noted Asia’s leading role in shipping — with nine of the world’s top ten container ports and 90% of global shipbuilding concentrated in the region — and urged closer collaboration between Hong Kong and mainland ports such as Ningbo Zhoushan, particularly in value-added services like marine insurance.

Looking Ahead

Zhejiang–Hong Kong cooperation is entering a new stage of opportunity. By working together in high-end maritime services and green shipping, both regions can build a more resilient shipping ecosystem while contributing to China’s ambitions as a maritime power.