Division of functions to be specified for ports

The Ministry of Communications will draft a comprehensive plan for port layout planning in addition to specific projects to maintain development of Hong Kong's ports, a senior official said.

"The ministry will continue to support Hong Kong's port enterprises' efforts to invest in, and build ports on the mainland," deputy minister of communications Weng Mengyong said.

"Meanwhile, the ministry will support mainland shipping enterprises' efforts to make full use of Hong Kong's ports' advantages and open container transport routes between the mainland and Hong Kong (from where container cargo would be shipped abroad)," he was quoted as saying by Xinhua News Agency.