THE Marine Department and the Port Development Board (PDB), which are closely monitoring the development of southern China ports, believe they are no threat to Hongkong, says Director of Marine Tony Miller.
Speaking to reporters after his speech at a Hongkong Shipowners Association luncheon, he said: ''I have said before regarding container facilities across the border in the delta, [they are] complementary rather than competitive.
''The PDB and ourselves are keeping close touch with operators of various ports in the delta, including Shekou and Yantian, and we know what their rough programme of development is and they know what ours is.'' He pointed out that the speed and scale of development in Guangdong in southern China was ''enormous'', and the volume of goods being exported from the area through Hongkong was ''tremendous''.
''And I have no doubt by the time we exhaust our development opportunities in Hongkong - that's about the years 2006 to 2011 - we will need more facilities in southern China,'' Mr Miller said.
He said Hongkong had its industrial revolution over 20 years while Guangdong was doing it in half that time.
''If we see growth continuing at the present rate, then they [China] will need their own dedicated facilities on that side of the river,'' he said.