A container ship sails under the Stonecutters Bridge near Kwai Tsing Container Terminals in Hong Kong on May 14, 2019. (PHILIP FONG / AFP)

HONG KONG - An international forum is scheduled to be held in Hong Kong on Oct 20, which is expected to boost efforts to upgrade the global shipping industry chain and establish a greener industrial ecology.

The first World Maritime Merchants Forum will gather government officials, shipping company executives, associations, financial institutions as well as experts from across the world to discuss a series of topics, including the transformation of the global shipping industry in a new era, and options for decarbonization approach and technology.

ALSO READ: Shipping industry submits plan for global carbon tax

The forum is jointly hosted by China Merchants Group, the Baltic and International Maritime Council, the International Chamber of Shipping and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association.

The event is also expected to help Hong Kong better seize opportunities from the national 14th Five-Year Plan and give full play to its role as an international shipping center.

READ MORE: Long-term strategies a prerequisite to consolidate shipping industry in HK