Liu Xiaoming, deputy minister of transport from the People's Republic of China, Huang Liuquan, deputy director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council, and Frank Chan, secretary for transport and housing of Hong Kong, were present to oversee proceedings.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam hosted a welcome dinner at Government House for the ICS' delegation and congratulated them on the opening of the China Liaison Office.

The move signalled ever closer relations between the global shipping industry - which ICS represents - the Chinese government and the China Shipowners' Association.

"The adopting of the 'one country, two systems' means that Hong Kong was the obvious location for the new office, providing a bridge between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the maritime world," said the China Daily report.

Speaking on behalf of the government of the HKSAR, Mr Chan gave the welcome remarks and said: "The decision to have its first ever Liaison Office based right here in Hong Kong is clear recognition of China's emergence as one of the world's leading maritime nations, and also Hong Kong's superb connectivity with the global shipping community."

Said Mr Liu: "The establishment of the China Liaison Office by the International Chamber of Shipping in Hong Kong is an important measure to promote a closer relationship between the global shipping community by the ICS and the Chinese Government and the China Shipowners Association." Said ICS chairman Esben Poulsson: "The opening of an ICS Liaison Office in Hong Kong reflects the importance, and the influential role that Asian economies, and particularly China, play on the international stage."The principal representative of the ICS China Liaison Office, Edward Liu, said: "I am proud to be playing a role in fostering positive relations between the ICS, the Government of China, the Government of Hong Kong SAR, the China Shipowners' Association, and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association."

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