Vice Minister of Transport Fu Xuyin said on Monday that the nation will continue to build transport networks with Belt and Road countries while continuing domestic logistics and transport reform to reduce costs.

He made the comments while delivering a speech at the Asia Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference in Hong Kong.

The official said international supply chains are being constrained amid global uncertainties stemming in part from geopolitics and trade protectionism.

And Hong Kong, Fu said, will continue to play a key role in stabilizing global supply chains through the development of logistics, shipping and aviation.

“We will continue to strengthen maritime transport cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong, consolidating and enhancing the SAR’s status as an international shipping hub,” he said.

“We will facilitate Hong Kong’s deeper integration into the country’s overall development and make better use of its advantages of having the support of the motherland and its connectivity with the world, so as to contribute globally to trade and shipping.”

Speaking at the same event, Acting Chief Executive Officer Eric Chan said the airport’s third runway system to be launched later this month will be a game-changer as it will bring additional capacity.

He added that the government intends for Hong Kong to become a green and smart port, as outlined in its plans to develop SAR into a green marine fuel bunkering hub.