Logistics & Supply Chain

The Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Corporation’s MTR Academy offers the railway’s best experiences and practices for supporting Belt and Road rail developments, says Academy President Morris Cheung. The MTR has a literal and figurative “track record” says Valentin Reyes of Manila’s Light Rail, while Hungary’s MAV learns from MTR’s financial sustainability and service.

Speakers:
Valentin Reyes, HSEQ Director, Light Rail Manila Corp
Morris Cheung, President, MTR Academy
Ilona David, President and CEO, MAV Zrt

Related Links:
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
http://www.hktdc.com

HKTDC Belt and Road Portal
http://beltandroad.hktdc.com/en/

Marina Container Lines (HK) Ltd (MCL) was founded in the early 1990s to seize opportunities in the booming logistics industry. The firm began as a shipping agent and gradually expanded into freight forwarding, also known as non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC). In recent years, the company has also been active in developing new markets; after joining the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s business mission to Myanmar in 2013, the company started focusing on developing businesses there the following year, introducing innovative logistics services and trade support solutions.

Eric Wong, MCL’s CEO and Director, said in the 1990s, as Hong Kong developed into an international logistics hub with one of the world’s busiest container ports, many companies from around the world arranged their sea freight shipments through Hong Kong-based freight forwarders in order to gain access to a wider selection of sea ports and freight vessels. Leveraging Hong Kong’s geographical advantage, MCL began offering a comprehensive range of services including cargo booking, contract drafting, scheduling and custom clearance to meet the booming demand for maritime services.

At the time, the company also provided feeder and freight forwarding services for re-exporting goods from the Pearl River Delta to overseas markets while continuing to develop its NOVCC services, taking full advantage of Hong Kong’s position as a regional logistics hub and gateway to the Chinese mainland.

Mr Wong said in the mid-1990s, as many liner shipping companies began setting up their own agencies in major ports around China, MCL still managed to secure a strong customer base because of its one-stop shipping and freight forwarding services.

In 2013, MCL joined an HKTDC mission to Myanmar and realised that apart from logistics services, the country also has great demand for trade support services. The company opened its Myanmar office in August 2014. “The trade missions organised by the HKTDC allow Hong Kong businesses to connect with the management of local companies,” said Mr Wong. “The research and market intelligence provided by the HKTDC are also extremely helpful.”

Almost three decades of experience in capitalising on Hong Kong’s unique advantages has helped MCL expand into the Myanmar market and facilitate the flow of goods between China and Myanmar. Developing its business in the country is now a main focus for the company. Besides providing transportation and delivery services for local businesses, MCL is also helping mainland companies export products to Myanmar. Tapping into the growing e-commerce market, the company is setting up “experience halls” for Myanmar customers to learn more about Chinese products, hoping to create a seamless online-to-offline experience.

Hutchison Ports regards its Hong Kong headquarters as the right place to run its global network – including connecting people, cultures and systems across the Belt and Road, according to Group Managing Director Eric Ip. Particularly relevant is Hutchison Ports’ award-winning nGen high technology operations system, which was developed in Hong Kong.

Speaker:
Eric Ip, Group Managing Director, Hutchison Ports

Related Links:
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
https://www.hktdc.com/

HKTDC Belt and Road Portal
https://beltandroad.hktdc.com/en/

Belt and Road: Turkey’s Logistics Link with Hong Kong 

Turkey-based Barsan Global Logistics is using its Belt and Road connections to reduce cargo transit times from Hong Kong to Turkey by more than half, according to Director Ebru Busra Tunca. It’s 35 global branches keep integrated operations running smoothly while Hong Kong acts a super connector for Asia.  

Speaker:
Ebru Busra Tunca, Director, Barsan Global Logistics (HK) Ltd

Related Links:
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
http://www.hktdc.com

HKTDC Belt and Road Portal
http://beltandroad.hktdc.com/en/

Hong Kong-based Eliron Cargo Tracking uses a bespoke, GSM-based system to update clients on shipments door-to-door across the Belt and Road Initiative routes. CEO Elias Heikar says the high-technology cargo tracking business is well fitted for operating from Hong Kong, with the SAR’s scalable services in areas such as office access, book-keeping and data collection, as well as a super connector to Belt and Road countries. 

Speaker:
Elias Heikari, CEO, Eliron Cargo Tracking 

Related Link:
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
http://www.hktdc.com/