Committee looking at ways to improve business opportunities and trade flow through Hong Kong from southern China

Although Hong Kong has the world's busiest container port and largest air cargo terminal, along with many other advantages, the SAR is in danger of losing its position as Asia's logistics hub unless it rises to address various challenges.

'Hong Kong needs a Mr Logistics, preferably at a senior level of Government, someone who can coordinate efforts between the different departments and their counterparts on the Chinese side,' said Swire Group chairman, James Hughes-Hallet.

The appointment of such a person to coordinate departments, such as immigration and customs on both sides of the border, would improve Hong Kong's status as an international logistics hub, he said. 'A consultant will be brought in to study whether there is a need to change the institutional structure.'

The logistics development committee, under the Hong Kong Port and Maritime Board, which Mr Hughes-Hallet chairs, has called for tenders for the appointment of the consultant, and ap plicants were being short-listed.

The consultant will conduct a study of Hong Kong's position as an international logistics hub vis- a-vis its counterparts in Europe, the United States and Asia.

The logistics committee, comprising representatives from a cross-section of the air and sea freight community, is looking at business opportunities and trade flow through Hong Kong from southern China, and the infrastructure needed to move cargo through the region.