THE Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (HAFFA) recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), with chairman Gary Lau pointing out that 2023 has been a busy twelve months as the industry continues to work towards its goal of returning to pre-pandemic levels within an environment of economic and geopolitical challenges.

In his report for the year 2023-2024, Mr Lau again voiced the association's support for recent Government measures such as its action plans for modern logistics development and maritime and port development strategy.

One of the most recent administration initiatives was the 'Pilot Subsidy Scheme for Third-party Logistics Service Providers', where HAFFA's successful efforts to campaign on behalf of its members saw adjustments to the optimization of the scheme announced in the 2024-25 budget.

Mr Lau commented: "In line with HAFFA's recommendations, the Government has increased the maximum funding amount from one to two million dollars per enterprise, which will help further support and promote development and competitiveness within the industry."

A major milestone, and a crucial victory for both HAFFA and the industry, was the successful passing of the Import and Export (Amendment) Bill 2023, which resulted in the resumption of intermodal transshipment of e-cigarette products through Hong Kong following the implementation of the 'Alternative Smoking Product Transshipment Control Scheme (ATCS)'.

Other key local issues impacting Hong Kong's international logistics industry and on which HAFFA has been active include advocacy for the extension of the Government's regulated cargo fuel surcharge in order to prevent market chaos and increased costs significantly undermining the city's competitiveness.

Furthermore, HAFFA continues to play an integral role in initiatives to maximize the utilization of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB), and in enhancing logistics collaboration between the neighbouring Greater Bay Area.