Hong Kong government’s cargo-tracking digital platform launched with 2,300 firms The Hong Kong government has launched a digital logistics platform offering real-time cargo tracking, with some 2,300 companies registered on the system. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Friday the new Port Community System would streamline transport data and improve transparency for users. The system integrates sea, land and air data and uses artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to provide instantaneous cargo tracking services, which Chan said was “essential” for the logistics industry. At the launch, Chan said the port system aimed to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an international financial, trade and maritime centre through digitalisation. “This is a great result from the combined effort of government and industry working together,” Chan said. “What the government does must be practical for the industry … and must grasp the industry’s needs and comprehensively plan around them.” The logistics chief said the bureau would continue to work with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s “Project CargoX”, which centralises logistics data. The bureau will provide cargo and trade data from the port system, similar to the airport’s cargo platform. The data could help small and medium-sized enterprises secure financing more quickly, she said. The bureau would also work with Hong Kong customs to digitalise the cargo detention notification process and provide industry players with “faster and more transparent information”, improving customs clearance efficiency. The Port Community System is part of the government’s smart port development strategy to enhance competitiveness and maintain Hong Kong’s position as a regional transshipment hub. It aims to connect relevant units in the local logistics supply chain, while linking with international ports and commercial shipping data platforms. The system’s first prototype was introduced in an industry trial in 2023. Funding for the system amounting to HK$210 million (US$26.9 million) was greenlit by the Legislative Council’s Finance Committee last March. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3340133/hong-kong-governments-cargo-tracking-digital-platform-launched-2300-firms?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article (ICE HONG KONG)

Fonte notizia: South China Morning Post