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23 November 2005 (Wednesday) | |
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Remarks by Mr. Stephen Ip, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my great pleasure to welcome you to today's luncheon sponsored by the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council. And my pleasure is doubled on this occasion because it is an event to honour the best performers in our logistics industry; and a time to celebrate our endless quest for service excellence. As one of the four pillars that buttress the economy of Hong Kong, our logistics industry provides employment for some 190,000 people and accounts for nearly 5% of the GDP. By providing high quality, reliable and cost-effective services to the entire trading sector, the logistics industry helps ensure a seamless flow along the supply chain, and contributes to Hong Kong's overall drive to move up the value ladder. Globalisation and regional competition have heightened customers' expectation of hassle-free logistics flow and underlined the need to develop total logistics solutions. Against this background, the Government is committed to strengthening Hong Kong's logistics competitiveness in close partnership with the industry. In face of fierce competition, it is more important now than ever for Hong Kong to find its market niche. To differentiate Hong Kong from other competitors in the region, we must excel in service reliability and quality and not compete on cost, and certainly not on cost alone. The Logistics Award Hong Kong 2005 gives recognition to enterprises and practitioners who explore and adopt innovative management and IT solutions, promote professionalism, and invest in human resource development. By awarding those who have excelled in these regards, we hope to encourage more to follow their foot steps. The Award is the first local award scheme for the logistics industry, brought about collectively by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics, Hong Kong Logistics Association, Hong Kong Productivity Council and Hong Kong Trade Development Council. I thank all the organizers for their joint efforts and vision. The Award demonstrates the industry's awareness of service excellence, and our determination to achieve it. It is also a shining example of industry collaboration. Ladies and gentlemen, take a look at the list of award recipients, and you will discover that it includes not only the well-known multinational service providers, but also local small and medium sized enterprises and budding young logisticians. In my view, it best manifests our logistics industry as a robust, energetic and ever-growing business that attracts both international corporations and local talents. Common to their success and achievements is an unfailing commitment to quality service, innovation and professionalism. To echo the industry's pursuit for service excellence and sharpen our competitive edge, the Digital Trade and Transportation Network System will be launched next month to provide a common e-platform for reliable and efficient data exchange. More resources have been provided for the research and development of logistics-enabling RFID technologies, with enhanced industry participation. In parallel, the Government is also engaging the Guangdong authorities in a continuing dialogue to identify and implement measures which facilitate cross-boundary freight flow and reduce cost. Equally important is an effective public-private partnership in promoting professional and service excellence. This explains the involvement the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council both as a co-organiser of the Logistics Award and sponsor of today's this luncheon. I would like to congratulate all the award recipients for their achievements, and encourage our logistics industry to keep up with the relentless pursuit for service excellence. Thank you! Economic Development Branch |
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