The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Friday published a study report on the proposed 36-hectare modern logistics cluster in the Northern Metropolis, with the goal of preparing the land for the cluster by 2027-28 at the earliest.

In a simultaneous bid to boost the logistics sector, the authorities also launched the Port Community System on the same day, which provides real-time cargo tracking services through artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies.

At a news conference on Friday, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan reiterated Hong Kong’s resolve to follow the guidance in the Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages to maintain the city’s position as the region's leading international logistics hub.

The modern logistics cluster, first proposed by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in 2023, features nine land sites covering an area of 36 hectares in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area — a region close to several border checkpoints and thus well positioned to become a major modern logistics hub in the city’s Northern Metropolis project.

Chan said the region will be built into an innovative and green cluster with market-oriented aims.

ALSO READ: Developers throw their weight behind Northern Metropolis mega project

The report says that the cluster will be developed to support the enterprise-oriented mindset, a market-enabling environment, and innovative development approaches.

It also suggests that the cluster could be used to build smart and green infrastructure such as chargers for electric trucks and energy-saving devices to help enterprises meet ESG (environmental, social and governance) requirements and enhance their competitiveness, while reserving land for emerging industries including the low-altitude economy.

A land site at Sik Kong Wai Road will open for tender first this year, with the aim of attracting local and overseas companies. The other land sites are expected to be ready at the earliest by 2027-28, and the government hopes that enterprises will be able to move in by 2028. The authority is also considering allowing companies to design their factory buildings before the land is fully prepared.

The entire logistics cluster is projected to complete its land provision by 2032.

READ MORE: HK LegCo hopefuls rally to fast-track Northern Metropolis plan

At the same conference, Chan and pundits from the logistics sector witnessed the official launch of the Port Community System, a smart one-stop platform developed by the government to enhance freight management, contributing to the SAR’s goal of consolidating its role as an international logistics hub.

The system enables real-time tracking of maritime, land, and air cargo supply chains, and enhances the transparency of logistics operations through artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies. It also assists users in filling out declaration forms electronically to boost efficiency.

Over 2,300 companies have registered to use the system, Chan said, adding that the platform serves as an example of how the government and industry work together to drive progress.

The system will further expand offshore cargo tracking functions, connecting Hong Kong's ports with the international shipping network, Chan said.

The system is also a part of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Project CargoX, a public-private collaboration initiative focusing on leveraging cargo data to streamline and enhance trade finance processes, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises.

Chan said that in the future, the Transport and Logistics Bureau will team up with Hong Kong Customs to advance collaboration in areas such as digitizing the process of goods inspections and the issuance of detention notices, with the aim of enhancing the efficiency of customs clearance and creating a more convenient business environment for the industry.

Also on Thursday, the government, in collaboration with the Logistics and Supply Chain Multi-Tech R&D Centre, signed a tripartite cooperation memorandum with the local fintech startup FUNDel to help financial institutions assess trade finance applications filed by relevant logistics SMEs.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com