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| Logistics
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43. Hong Kong is one of the busiest container ports and air cargo hubs in the world. Last year, our port ranked first with a throughput of 19 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Our airport has also ranked first in the world since 1996 in terms of its volume of international air cargo. Last year, it handled a record 2.48 million tonnes.
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44. The Government has done much to support the development of the logistics industry. As mentioned earlier, we are taking steps to raise the capacity for cargo traffic at our land crossings. More improvements will follow in the coming years. As regards maritime transport, the first berth of Container Terminal 9 will be completed later this year, and when all its berths are in full operation in 2005, port capacity will increase by 20%. To ensure that our port remains competitive, the Government will complete the site selection study for Container Terminal 10 by the end of this year.
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45. In recent years, there has been remarkable growth in our air cargo volume. Looking to the future we have plenty of room for further development. Last year, the Airport Authority awarded a franchise for the development of an express cargo terminal. The Airport Authority is also exploring opportunities for co-operation with the airport in Shenzhen to develop their potential further. To strengthen our status as an aviation hub, the Government will work hard to secure additional air traffic rights for Hong Kong.
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46. We are taking forward the development of a logistics park on North Lantau and the Digital Trade and Transportation Network (DTTN) system. DTTN will provide an open electronic platform through which relevant sectors, financial institutions and government departments can exchange data at higher speed and lower cost.
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