I. Transport and logistics development in Hong Kong in relation to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
International aviation hub, international shipping centre and promotion of logistic development
Members welcomed the launch of the GBA Youth Aviation Industry Internship Programme (“Internship Programme”) in the first half of 2023 by the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (“HKIAA”) in collaboration with Mainland aviation training institutions and enquired about the details. The Administration responded that the Internship Programme would tentatively provide about 300 places in the first year, and young people from Hong Kong and the Mainland would be posted to other airports in GBA and the Hong Kong International Airport respectively for internship. HKIAA was discussing the details with relevant organizations and would make announcements in due course.
Some Members asked whether the Administration would consider encouraging more institutions to offer maritime-related degree programmes and, by drawing reference from the practice of the aviation industry, launching a GBA internship programme for the maritime industry to nurture local maritime talents.
The Administration advised that the existing Maritime and Aviation Training Fund provided funding support for students enrolled in various maritime-related programmes offered by institutions in Hong Kong, including undergraduate programmes of tertiary institutions and practical courses of other institutions. It was believed that young people would gradually regain their desire to join the maritime industry as the industry returned to normalcy after the epidemic.
In the face of keen competition from other cities, Members enquired about the progress of the Administration’s implementation of the “smart port” development, the blueprint for developing Hong Kong as an international maritime centre, as well as enhancement of the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong’s logistics industry.
The Administration advised that the existing Maritime and Aviation Training Fund provided funding support for students enrolled in various maritime-related programmes offered by institutions in Hong Kong, including undergraduate programmes of tertiary institutions and practical courses of other institutions. It was believed that young people would gradually regain their desire to join the maritime industry as the industry returned to normalcy after the epidemic.