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| Cargo carriers look confidently to future ( 01/05/2003 ) | |||||||||
"Hong Kong is preferred because of its quality of services," says Sunny Ho, executive director of the Hong Kong Shippers Council. "There are a lot of choices here and freight forwarders like an infrastructure where there are quality service providers." Hong Kong's position as the world's number one air and sea cargo operator in tonnage terms is being driven by its close economic relationship with the manufacturing-rich region of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in southern China. A recent TDC economic report (April 22) said that production activity in the PRD remained unaffected with only minimal disruption to the supply chain through Hong Kong. The PRD is the world's leading exporter of many light consumable goods including toys, games, radios, travel goods and imitation jewellery. Up to 90 per cent of these goods are exported through Hong Kong. Entrepreneurial businesses use just-in-time delivery But another factor has recently played a role. With travel restrictions imposed on Hong Kong, entrepreneurial businesses are finding new ways to service their overseas buyers, with many turning to the speed and efficiency of just-in-time air cargo services. If buyers can't come to our showroom, we'll take the showroom to them, is the attitude of Mr Young M Lee, managing director of Dream International Ltd, the world's largest manufacturer of plush toys. The Korean-owned and Hong Kong-listed company, has air freighted toy samples to its New York showroom for the convenience of customers who have cancelled trips to Hong Kong. Positive growth for air cargo industry Signalling their continued confidence in Hong Kong, several operators have recorded positive growth and announced new partnerships. International freight giant DHL Worldwide Express recently bought a further 10 per cent stake in freight carrier Air Hong Kong, taking its share to 40 per cent. "It demonstrates our commitment to enhancing Hong Kong's position as Asia's leading logistics hub," says John Mullen, chief operating officer of DHL Worldwide Express Asia Pacific. Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong's flagship carrier, has continued full cargo operations, despite the impact of Sars and the Gulf War. "We will continue to work closely with the Hong Kong community and the cargo trade to overcome the current challenges," says Cathay Pacific general manager, cargo, Kenny Tang. Hong Kong's second carrier, Dragon Airways (Dragonair), announced that cargo volume grew 50 per cent to 23,150 tonnes in March from the same period last year. For another major freight operator, Federal Express, it is also business as usual. "To date we have seen no impact on our business because of the situation," says Eddy Chan, region vice-president for China and Mid Pacific. Related links:
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