YANTIAN Port authorities have pledged to help Hong Kong take back the title of the world's number one container port, which is expected to fall into the hands of Singapore.
Liu Dingtong, vice-president of the Shenzhen Yantian Port Construction Command, said Hong Kong's container port had reached capacity and was likely to be replaced by Singapore as the top container port.
The territory's port development was limited by land supply, high labour costs and land transport links with Shenzhen, he said.
About three million containers go into Hong Kong from Shenzhen every year, resulting in serious congestion at border checkpoints.
''Yantian Port can team up with Hong Kong to compete in the world shipping market to maintain its leading position. The co-operation will benefit Hong Kong as well as southern China,'' he said.
Mr Liu, who is also vice-chairman of Yantian International Container Terminals, said Yantian wanted to be a partner rather than a competitor for China's exports.