"The World Cargo Symposium 2024 is being held at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong from today (12) to 14. Speaking at the event, Mr. Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, said that Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) may once again become the world's busiest cargo airport.

In 2023 HKIA will handle about 4.3 million tons of cargo. Speaking at the event, Mr. Chan said Hong Kong is a global hub for international trade and cargo operations, and in 2023, the Hong Kong International Airport handles about 4.3 million tons of cargo, which means HKIA may once again become the world's busiest cargo airport. He noted that before the epidemic, HKIA had more than 1,100 daily flights connecting more than 220 destinations. By the end of 2023, passenger throughput had recovered to 80% of its pre-epidemic level, and is believed to be on track for a full recovery this year. Mr. Chan also mentioned the expanding infrastructure. Including the commissioning of the airport's three-runway system by the end of this year, the Hong Kong International Airport will have the capacity to handle 120 million passengers and more than 10 million tons of cargo annually by 2035, he said. 

Hong Kong will further strengthen its aviation ties with the mainland. According to Mr. Chan, Hong Kong's close cooperation with Mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area will enable the airport to better fulfill its role as a logistics gateway and regional air cargo hub in the Greater Bay Area. Hong Kong is currently working with other cities in the Greater Bay Area, such as Dongguan, to develop intermodal cargo transportation modes. For cargoes from other cities in the Greater Bay Area to be exported through the Hong Kong International Airport, security checks and customs clearance will become faster and more efficient. Mr. Paul Chan also introduced that cooperation is also underway with Zhuhai to jointly develop international cargo business. Hong Kong will further strengthen its aviation ties with the Mainland and enhance the connectivity between the HKIA and other cities in the Greater Bay Area, so as to open up a larger hinterland to serve more travelers and cargoes. He said enhanced connectivity would help boost trade in goods, facilitate two-way flow of tourists and increase people-to-people ties with the regions concerned.