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考察寧波港口，借鑑新質生產力發展契機/Visiting Ningbo Port, Seizing the Opportunity for New Productivity Development
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早前，我趁著行政會議和立法會休會，率領新民黨立法會議員、區議員、青年黨員，以及海上絲綢之路協會成員等一行人，先後到廣西、浙江和寧波等地考察。考察目的包括了解內地高端製造業的最新發展情況，如何有效運用新質生產力，以及參觀當地高度自動化的港口。兩次的考察行程均十分豐富，我們獲益良多，對香港如何邁向經濟高質量發展有深刻啟發。
桂林「溢達紡織」開發綠色生產自動化技術
8月初，我們考察團首先到訪廣西，在桂林參觀「溢達紡織」，了解當地如何推動企業綠色轉型。桂林是以山水甲天下為號召的旅遊城市，近年日益重視生態保護，積極鼓勵工廠遷離灕江，以推動綠色旅遊。
溢達紡織的轉型歷經多個階段，由50年代「大躍進」時期創立的桂林棉紡廠開始，到90年代隨著國家經濟起飛而易名桂林銀海紡織，再經歷了千禧年代的「棉紡壓錠」政策，捱過減產裁員，直至2011年，香港溢達紡織將之併購重組。之後，溢達紡織致力開發綠色生產自動化技術、創新污水處理技術，並把新疆其中一個廠房轉型為創科企業孵化中心，吸引初創企業落戶，以支持國家的發展策略。
柳州「五菱汽車」成功轉型生產電動車
我們亦到訪柳州市這個中國西南部的工業重鎮。2023年，柳州市便創造了廣西七分之一的經濟總量及四分之一的工業產值。汽車製造業是柳州工業的第一支柱，我們參觀了前身是柳州拖拉機廠的「五菱汽車」電動車生產基地。80年代，柳州拖拉機廠產能過剩，從生產拖拉機改為轉產縫紉機和棉織機，再極力籌劃開發微型汽車，並於1984年成功研發第一部五菱牌LZ110輕型貨車。
神車「五菱之光」則是內地首款在不安裝安全氣囊的前提下，通過「正面碰撞乘員保護」測試認證，並依照國際最先進汽車技術規範全面測試驗證的車型，獲《福布斯》雜誌評為「地球上最重要的一款汽車」。隨著國產電動車市場興起，五菱汽車掌握契機，位於柳州的「上汽通用五菱寶駿生產基地」的生產線已全部自動化，基地的營運成本大幅降低30%，同時大大提升生產力。
「GDP萬億城市」寧波
9月初，我們一行人走訪浙江的第二大城市——寧波。寧波是中國東南沿海重要的港口城市，陸域總面積9816平方公里，海域總面積8355.8平方公里；建設了經濟技術開發區、前灣新區、甬江科創區、高新技術產業開發區和石化經濟技術開發區等多個重點區域，也是國家自主創新示範區；舟山港的貨物吞吐量更已連續15年居全球首位。2023年寧波的地區生產總值達1.64萬億元人民幣，是浙江兩座「GDP萬億城市」之一；各項產業發展致力推動新質生產力，非常值得香港借鑑。
「吉利汽車極氪智慧工廠」展示未來感
汽車製造業，包括新能源汽車、智能網聯汽車和核心零部件，是寧波的重點產業定位，因此我們的重點行程之一是參觀「吉利汽車極氪智慧工廠」。極氪ZEEKR一字，是以Generation Z（Z世代）的Z和Geek（極客）合成，從品牌命名已能看出未來感。作為浙江首批未來工廠項目，極氪智慧工廠已全面智能化、數字化，推動智能出行，聚焦具前瞻性的技術開發。我們參觀的生產線，一條生產軌道可根據智慧程式同時組裝不同的汽車型號，例如可在組裝SUV車輛、轎車或其他型號汽車之間調動，生產力大大提高。這比起我30年前參觀的加拿大通用汽車廠，一條生產軌道組裝一款汽車型號，技術發展不可同日而語。
當日廠房展示了一台售價大約29萬元人民幣、年生產30萬輛的轎車新品，外型非常豪華時尚，叫人印象深刻。合作伙伴方面，極氪非常重視「極氪生態圈」(ZEEKR Ecosystem)，芯片生產商NVIDIA、德國工程及電子業務公司BOSCH、海康威視數字技術股份有限公司(HIKVISION)、電動汽車電池生產商寧德時代(CATL)等，均是其合作伙伴，反映極氪網絡布全球。
上述柳州「上汽通用五菱寶駿生產基地」和寧波「吉利汽車極氪智慧工廠」，均已全面採用自動化、數字化的智慧型生產技術，對於提高生產力，稱得上有質的飛躍。此外，兩者均具備土地、投資及人才三項發展因素，即是生產基地佔地夠大、企業願意投資科研開發技術，並且有具魄力的領導及先進技術人才。今時今日，若只滿足於代工，又或者只求賺快錢，成就不了大事業。香港要推動再工業化，邁向新質生產力的發展層次，一方面要促進傳統製造業升級轉型，另一方面要整合最新科技創造更大價值，吸引高端製造業落戶，作長遠投資。
寧波舟山港口高度自動化
是次考察的另一個重點行程是走訪「世界第一大港」——寧波舟山港口。舟山港有19個港區，我們視察了北倫港和梅山港。舟山港海岸線全長達170公里，是中國最古老也是最先進的港口之一，擁有百多座深水泊位的特大型泊位群體，形成綜合性國際深水大港。2023年，舟山港的貨物吞吐量達13.2億噸，連續15年居全球首位；集裝箱吞吐量則有3530.1萬標準箱(TEUs)，連續6年世界第三；集裝箱航線共有302條，其中包括遠洋航線142條。
我們印象中需靠人手操作、人員汗流浹背的傳統貨櫃碼頭業景象，在舟山港找不著一絲痕跡。舟山港的運作高度自動化，比起我以前參觀過的港口都要先進，作業人員都是在空調辦公室內對著控制台操作。視察當日，便見大量無人駕駛貨櫃車絡繹不絕穿梭往來，反映其貨運量何其龐大。而且當地沒有「土地問題」，仍有大量土地供繼續擴建，發展勢頭正勁。
香港作為國際航運中心急需轉型
一個港口要成功發展，必備船、貨、地三大元素，即是要聯繫大量航線，有船泊岸卸貨；要接近生產貨源；更要有大量土地擴充發展。舟山港就擁有這些條件，而香港定位國際航運中心，貨櫃碼頭業要如何升級轉型，以適應地緣政治變化、全球產業鏈重組及航線調整等挑戰，需要深刻思考。
港口發展需要超長遠規劃，相對於依賴企業投資，我認為特區政府應盡快研究未來20年或更長遠的全球供應鏈及航線重組趨勢、貨櫃吞吐量走勢，評估香港對貨櫃碼頭用地的需要，亦要研究香港港口可否轉型成倫敦那樣的高端航運服務中心，專注從事海事法律、海事保險、海事仲裁及船舶管理等高價值航運服務，在「自由港」、「補時港」這些定位之上，加強與舟山港及大灣區港口的戰略分工。
此外，我建議盡快成立專門管理港口的法定機構港口管理局，好像機場管理局那樣，為港口發展及碼頭用地作長遠規劃，制訂香港航運業路的清晰策略定位，與五間碼頭營運商統籌對接，處理空置的貨櫃碼頭用地或協助營運商升級轉型，長遠鞏固香港國際航運中心的地位。
(撰文：葉劉淑儀，原文刊於《經濟通》)
Visiting Ningbo Port, Seizing the Opportunity for New Productivity Development
Earlier, taking advantage of the adjournment of the Executive Council and Legislative Council, I led a delegation comprising New People's Party Legislative Council members, district councilors, youth party members, as well as members of the Maritime Silk Road Association to visit Guangxi, Zhejiang, and Ningbo. The purpose of the visit was to understand the latest developments in mainland China's high-end manufacturing industry, how to effectively utilize new productivity, and to tour the highly automated ports in the area. Both visits were very enriching, and we gained a lot, providing us with profound insights into how Hong Kong can move towards high-quality economic development.
Guilin's Esquel Textile Develops Green Production Automation Technology
In early August, our observation group first visited Guangxi and toured Esquel Textile in Guilin to understand how the region is promoting the green transformation of businesses. Guilin, known for its picturesque landscapes, has in recent years placed increasing importance on ecological conservation and actively encouraged factories to relocate away from the Li River to promote green tourism.
Esquel Textile's transformation has gone through several stages, starting from the Guilin Cotton Spinning Mill founded during the "Great Leap Forward" period in the 1950s, which was renamed Guilin Yin Hai Textile in the 1990s as the country's economy took off. It then experienced the "cotton spinning pressure roller" policy in the millennium, survived production cuts and layoffs, until Hong Kong's Esquel Textile acquired and reorganized it in 2011. Subsequently, Esquel Textile has been committed to developing green production automation technology, innovative wastewater treatment technology, and transforming one of its factories in Xinjiang into a technology enterprise incubation center to attract startups in support of the country's development strategy.
Liuzhou's Wuling Motors Successfully Transforms to Produce Electric Vehicles
We also visited Liuzhou, an industrial hub in southwestern China. In 2023, Liuzhou accounted for one-seventh of Guangxi's economic output and a quarter of its industrial production value. The automotive manufacturing industry is the cornerstone of Liuzhou's industry. We toured the Wuling Motors electric vehicle production base, which was formerly the Liuzhou Tractor Factory.
In the 1980s, faced with excess capacity, the Liuzhou Tractor Factory transitioned from producing tractors to sewing machines and cotton looms. They then vigorously planned the development of micro-cars and successfully developed the first Wuling brand LZ110 light truck in 1984.
The renowned "Wuling Sunshine" became the mainland's first vehicle to pass the "Frontal Impact Passenger Protection" test certification without installing airbags and was fully tested and verified according to the most advanced international automotive technology standards, earning recognition as the "most important car on Earth" by Forbes magazine.
With the rise of the domestic electric vehicle market, Wuling Motors seized the opportunity. The production line at the SAIC-GM-Wuling Baojun production base in Liuzhou is fully automated, leading to a significant 30% reduction in operational costs and a substantial increase in productivity.
Ningbo: A Trillion-Yuan GDP City
In early September, our group visited Ningbo, the second-largest city in Zhejiang. Ningbo is a vital port city on the southeast coast of China, with a total land area of 9,816 square kilometers and a sea area of 8,355.8 square kilometers. The city has developed several key areas such as the Economic and Technological Development Zone, Qianwan New Area, Yongjiang Science and Technology Innovation Zone, High-tech Industrial Development Zone, and Petrochemical Economic and Technological Development Zone. It is also a national demonstration zone for independent innovation. Moreover, Zhoushan Port has ranked first globally in cargo throughput for 15 consecutive years. In 2023, Ningbo's regional GDP reached 1.64 trillion yuan, making it one of the two "trillion-yuan GDP cities" in Zhejiang. The city is dedicated to promoting new productivity in various industries, providing valuable insights for Hong Kong to learn from.
GAC's Geek Smart Factory Showcases Futuristic Innovation
The automotive industry, including new energy vehicles, smart connected vehicles, and core components, is a key focus in Ningbo. Therefore, one of our main highlights was visiting GAC's Geek Smart Factory. The name "Geek" in Geekr is a fusion of Generation Z and Geek, reflecting a futuristic sense right from the brand name.
As one of Zhejiang's first future factory projects, the Geek Smart Factory is fully intelligent and digitized, promoting smart mobility and focusing on cutting-edge technological development. The production line we visited featured a track that can simultaneously assemble different car models based on intelligent programming, allowing for the assembly of SUVs, sedans, or other vehicle models interchangeably, significantly boosting productivity. This is a stark contrast to the Canadian General Motors plant I visited 30 years ago, where one production line assembled a single car model, showcasing the vast advancements in technology over the years.
On that day, the factory showcased a luxury sedan priced at around 290,000 RMB, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles. The car's stylish and luxurious appearance left a lasting impression. In terms of partnerships, ZEEKR places significant emphasis on the "ZEEKR Ecosystem," with partners including chip manufacturer NVIDIA, German engineering and electronics company BOSCH, digital technology company HIKVISION, and electric vehicle battery manufacturer CATL, reflecting ZEEKR's global network.
Both the SAIC-GM-Wuling Baojun production base in Liuzhou and the GAC Geek Smart Factory in Ningbo have fully embraced automated, digitized smart production technologies, resulting in a significant leap in productivity. Besides, both possess three key development factors: ample land, investment in research and development technology, and visionary leadership along with advanced technical talent. Today, merely focusing on OEM manufacturing or seeking quick profits cannot lead to significant achievements. For Hong Kong to drive reindustrialization and progress towards new productive forces, it must not only promote the upgrade and transformation of traditional manufacturing industries but also integrate the latest technologies to create greater value, attract high-end manufacturing industries, and encourage long-term investment.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port: Highly Automated Port Operations
Another key part of our inspection was visiting the "world's largest port" - the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. Zhoushan Port comprises 19 port areas, and we inspected the Beilun Port and Meishan Port. With a coastline stretching 170 kilometers, Zhoushan Port is one of China's oldest and most advanced ports, boasting a mega-terminal cluster with over a hundred deep-water berths, establishing itself as a comprehensive international deep-water port.
In 2023, Zhoushan Port handled a cargo throughput of 1.32 billion tons, maintaining its global top position for 15 consecutive years. The port also handled 35.301 million standard containers (TEUs), ranking third globally for six consecutive years. It operates 302 container routes, including 142 international routes, showcasing its extensive global connectivity and importance in international trade.
In contrast to the traditional image of manual labor and sweat-drenched workers at container terminals that we may have in mind, there was no trace of such scenes at the Zhoushan Port. The operations at Zhoushan Port are highly automated, far more advanced compared to ports I had visited previously. The operational staff are stationed in air-conditioned offices, operating control consoles rather than engaging in manual labor on the docks.
During our inspection, we witnessed a significant number of unmanned container trucks shuttling back and forth continuously, indicating the immense volume of cargo being handled. Moreover, with no "land constraints" in the area, there is ample land available for further expansion, reflecting a strong momentum in development.
Hong Kong Urgently Needs to Transform as an International Shipping Center
To successfully develop a port, it must possess the three key elements of ships, cargo, and land. This means it needs to connect to numerous shipping routes, have ships docking to unload cargo, be close to sources of production, and have ample land for expansion and development. Zhoushan Port has these conditions, while Hong Kong, positioned as an international shipping center, needs to consider how its container terminal industry can upgrade and transform to adapt to challenges such as geopolitical changes, global supply chain restructuring, and route adjustments. This requires deep reflection.
Port development requires long-term planning. Instead of solely relying on corporate investments, I believe the Special Administrative Region government should promptly research global supply chain and route restructuring trends for the next 20 years or even longer, track container throughput trends, assess Hong Kong's needs for container terminal land, and explore whether Hong Kong's ports can transform into a high-end shipping service center similar to London. This transformation would involve focusing on high-value shipping services such as maritime law, maritime insurance, maritime arbitration, and ship management. Beyond its current roles as a "free port" and a "hub port," Hong Kong should strengthen strategic collaboration with Zhoushan Port and ports in the Greater Bay Area.
In addition, I recommend promptly establishing a statutory body, the Port Authority, dedicated to managing ports similar to the Airport Authority. This authority would be responsible for long-term planning for port development and terminal land use, formulating a clear strategic positioning for Hong Kong's shipping industry, coordinating with the five terminal operators, managing vacant container terminal land, and assisting operators in upgrading and transforming. These efforts would help solidify Hong Kong's position as an international shipping center in the long run.
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The resolution of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on further deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization, to date the most comprehensive blueprint of China's development going forward, spells out strategic roles for the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao under the rubric of "pursuing high-standard opening-up".
The resolution lays out four expectations of the two special administrative regions.
They are to play an important role in optimizing China's plan for regional development to enhance coastal-interior interaction and the free trade experiment, as on Hainan Island; to harness the institutional strengths of the "one country, two systems" policy and further consolidate Hong Kong's position as a global financial, maritime and trading center and as a magnet for high-quality talent; to deepen cooperation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; and to improve high-quality implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative in diverse areas such as technology and innovation, green development, digital economy, artificial intelligence, energy, taxation and disaster mitigation.
These four expectations pinpoint precisely the roles the two SARs are to play in the master plan for the next stage of national rejuvenation. During a recent meeting with Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, urged Hong Kong to comprehend in-depth the spirit of the third plenary session, grasp the opportunity, implement decisive reform, and take the initiative to speed up Hong Kong's economic recovery. Reiterating that Hong Kong must keep refurbishing its "shop signs writ in gold" (that is, Hong Kong's position as a global financial, maritime and trading hub), Xia's remarks underscored the gravity of the central government's concerns about Hong Kong and the need for the city to act swiftly to implement reform.
Hong Kong's traditional strengths in finance, shipping and trading face unprecedented challenges. The liquidity crunch and the reshaping of the global supply chain, arising from misunderstandings about the Chinese mainland, rising protectionism in the West and conflicts raging in Ukraine and the Middle East, have sapped Hong Kong's long-held advantage in these areas. Hong Kong must take decisive measures to boost liquidity and confidence in the city's stock market and restore its function as a linchpin between the Chinese mainland and international capital markets.
A study of the long-term future of Hong Kong's container ports is long overdue. With rising competition from nearby container ports and a likely decrease in port calls, it is imperative for the HKSAR government to formulate long-term plans for enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness as a global maritime center, whether through consolidation with ports in the Greater Bay Area or repositioning Hong Kong as "shipless shipping center". Establishing a statutory maritime and ports authority, on the lines of the Airport Authority, to take charge of longer range planning would be a step in the right direction.
Thanks to its superb geographical location, Hong Kong has thrived on trade. Under the leadership of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, Hong Kong is doubling down on its efforts to strengthen trade relationships with partners other than those from the Chinese mainland, and Europe and North America. Lee's recent visit to three ASEAN countries — Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia — is a case in point.
Integration with GBA cities has surged in the past two years, helped by the completion of transport infrastructure that turned a "one-hour living circle" between Hong Kong and mainland GBA cities into a startling reality. During every weekend or holiday, tidal waves of Hong Kong residents, both locals and expatriates, flood into Shenzhen and other GBA cities to have a good time. Cooperation in residential care for the elderly and healthcare, such as a recent case of transfer of cord blood stem cells from the mainland for treatment of a child patient, demonstrates how closer social and medical collaboration between the mainland and Hong Kong can improve lives on both sides of the boundary. Progress being made for exchange of medical data and collaboration in medical and life science research is a good example of how integration with the GBA cities in the mainland is a win-win story.
Hong Kong has been an active participant in the BRI since its launch in 2013. Hong Kong's fire services set a good example in assisting disaster mitigation in the aftermath of the earthquake in Turkiye in February 2023. Other than assisting in building the "hard power" of Belt and Road participating countries such as the digital economy, Hong Kong can help bring hearts and minds together by initiating and hosting a "Belt and Road Games "along with other GBA cities. Sports have proved to be a powerful unifier and forceful tool for nation-building on many occasions. With an excellent transport infrastructure and abundant world-class sports facilities in the GBA, Belt and Road Games could go a long way toward cementing ties and enhancing friendship among BRI participants.
The key to Hong Kong's success in attracting world-class, international talents, and supporting the continuous opening-up of Chinese mainland's economy lies in strengthening Hong Kong's "two systems" characteristics, including its common law system, its adherence to protection of fundamental rights and freedoms as provided in the Basic Law, and its international environment.
Many of Chinese mainland's most successful private enterprises have established strongholds overseas, but smaller ones that have their sights set on international markets can benefit from Hong Kong's experience of doing business with international partners. Like it or not, sallies into overseas markets risk collision with the values and norms of the Western world, or sleepwalking into legal and procedural quagmires. In his keynote speech at a meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland in July 2022, President Xi Jinping commended Hong Kong for being "a pioneer riding the wave of our country's great cause of reform and opening-up". Hong Kong has never stopped playing the role of window and bridge between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world. The evolving geopolitical environment calls for Hong Kong to fine-tune this role. Hong Kong is well-positioned to tell the true story of China to the world — organize messages that are more acceptable to the West, renew ties with old friends, build common ground wherever possible, and venture into new areas to make new friends. Let Hong Kong's voice be heard by the world. The possibilities for Hong Kong to showcase the success of "one country, two systems" despite trying circumstances are infinite.
美國國會眾議院第118 屆國會復會後，在緊接的一周裏，眾議院持續就涉及中國的法案討論與表決，美國稱之為「中國周」。
今屆眾議院成立了「美國眾議院美國與中共戰略競爭特別委員會」（下稱「特別委員會」），時任威斯康辛州眾議員Mike Gallagher 出任首屆主席（已於今年4 月辭去眾議員之職），專注處理美國與中國共產黨的經濟和安全競爭。Mike Gallagher 主張在「中國周」處理涉及中國事宜。去年12 月，特別委員會發表報告，指出美國要在軍事、經濟、意識形態和科技等各方面超越中國。
截至9 月12 日，美國眾議院一共通過了28 項抗衡中國的法案，包括《香港經貿辦認證法案》以及一系列特別委員會的建議法案，如《反制中共無人機法案》和《脫離外國敵對電池依賴法》等。這些法案禁用中國大疆無人機，禁止美國國土安全部採購包括寧德時代在內的6 家中國公司產品。
值得注意的是，眾議院亦通過了《2024 年結束中國在美國電動汽車領域主導地位法案》等經濟領域法案，限制中國零部件的使用。不過，我認為美國的終極目標不單單是抗衡中國，而是要在各方面都超越中國。
諷刺的是，中美兩國另一項具有里程碑意義的《美中科技合作協定》已延長了6 個月，可見科技發展還是要依靠國際合作，所以眾議院通過上述一系列抗中法案，其實是「雷聲大雨點小」，搞搞姿態，而即使目前眾議院通過了法案，下一階段還有待參議院修訂及通過，參眾兩院才算達成一致。
總括而言，美國眾議院針對中國而通過的法案，反映美國忌憚中國在經濟和科技上的飛速發展。現時，中國在推進新質生產力方面非常成功，電子、電池、光伏板和核電等項目都是世界領先，讓美國感受到重大的威脅。
United States Congress China Week
After the reconvening of the 118th session of the United States House of Representatives, in the following week, the House continued its discussions and votes on bills related to China, termed as "China Week" by the United States.
This session of the House of Representatives established the "Special Committee on America and the Communist Party of China Strategic Competition" (referred to as the "Special Committee"), with Wisconsin Congressman Mike Gallagher serving as the inaugural chairman (he resigned from the position of congressman in April of this year), focusing on handling the economic and security competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. Mike Gallagher advocated for addressing China-related matters during "China Week". In December of last year, the Special Committee released a report stating that the United States must surpass China in various aspects including military, economic, ideological, and technological fields.
As of September 12, the United States House of Representatives has passed a total of 28 bills countering China, including the "Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act" and a series of proposed bills from the Special Committee, such as the "Counter China UAV Act" and the "Decouple from Foreign Adversarial Battery Reliance Act", among others. These bills prohibit the use of Chinese DJI drones and prevent the Department of Homeland Security from purchasing products from six Chinese companies, including CATL.
It is worth noting that the House also passed economic bills like the "End of China's Dominance in the US Electric Vehicle Sector Act 2024", restricting the use of Chinese components. However, I believe that the ultimate goal of the United States is not only to counter China but to surpass China in all aspects.
Ironically, the milestone "US-China Technology Cooperation Agreement" has been extended for 6 months, indicating that technological development still relies on international cooperation. Therefore, the passage of the aforementioned series of anti-China bills by the House of Representatives is more of a symbolic gesture. Even if the House has passed the bills currently, the next stage requires revision and approval by the Senate to reach a consensus.
In conclusion, the bills passed by the United States House of Representatives concerning China reflect America's concerns about China's rapid development in the economic and technological sectors. Currently, China has been highly successful in advancing new productive forces, leading the world in areas like electronics, batteries, solar panels, and nuclear power, posing a significant threat that the United States is keenly aware of.
早前，我趁著行政會議和立法會休會，率領新民黨立法會議員、區議員、青年黨員，以及海上絲綢之路協會成員等一行人，先後到廣西、浙江和寧波等地考察。考察目的包括了解內地高端製造業的最新發展情況，如何有效運用新質生產力，以及參觀當地高度自動化的港口。兩次的考察行程均十分豐富，我們獲益良多，對香港如何邁向經濟高質量發展有深刻啟發。
桂林「溢達紡織」開發綠色生產自動化技術
8月初，我們考察團首先到訪廣西，在桂林參觀「溢達紡織」，了解當地如何推動企業綠色轉型。桂林是以山水甲天下為號召的旅遊城市，近年日益重視生態保護，積極鼓勵工廠遷離灕江，以推動綠色旅遊。
溢達紡織的轉型歷經多個階段，由50年代「大躍進」時期創立的桂林棉紡廠開始，到90年代隨著國家經濟起飛而易名桂林銀海紡織，再經歷了千禧年代的「棉紡壓錠」政策，捱過減產裁員，直至2011年，香港溢達紡織將之併購重組。之後，溢達紡織致力開發綠色生產自動化技術、創新污水處理技術，並把新疆其中一個廠房轉型為創科企業孵化中心，吸引初創企業落戶，以支持國家的發展策略。
柳州「五菱汽車」成功轉型生產電動車
我們亦到訪柳州市這個中國西南部的工業重鎮。2023年，柳州市便創造了廣西七分之一的經濟總量及四分之一的工業產值。汽車製造業是柳州工業的第一支柱，我們參觀了前身是柳州拖拉機廠的「五菱汽車」電動車生產基地。80年代，柳州拖拉機廠產能過剩，從生產拖拉機改為轉產縫紉機和棉織機，再極力籌劃開發微型汽車，並於1984年成功研發第一部五菱牌LZ110輕型貨車。
神車「五菱之光」則是內地首款在不安裝安全氣囊的前提下，通過「正面碰撞乘員保護」測試認證，並依照國際最先進汽車技術規範全面測試驗證的車型，獲《福布斯》雜誌評為「地球上最重要的一款汽車」。隨著國產電動車市場興起，五菱汽車掌握契機，位於柳州的「上汽通用五菱寶駿生產基地」的生產線已全部自動化，基地的營運成本大幅降低30%，同時大大提升生產力。
「GDP萬億城市」寧波
9月初，我們一行人走訪浙江的第二大城市——寧波。寧波是中國東南沿海重要的港口城市，陸域總面積9816平方公里，海域總面積8355.8平方公里；建設了經濟技術開發區、前灣新區、甬江科創區、高新技術產業開發區和石化經濟技術開發區等多個重點區域，也是國家自主創新示範區；舟山港的貨物吞吐量更已連續15年居全球首位。2023年寧波的地區生產總值達1.64萬億元人民幣，是浙江兩座「GDP萬億城市」之一；各項產業發展致力推動新質生產力，非常值得香港借鑑。
「吉利汽車極氪智慧工廠」展示未來感
汽車製造業，包括新能源汽車、智能網聯汽車和核心零部件，是寧波的重點產業定位，因此我們的重點行程之一是參觀「吉利汽車極氪智慧工廠」。極氪ZEEKR一字，是以Generation Z（Z世代）的Z和Geek（極客）合成，從品牌命名已能看出未來感。作為浙江首批未來工廠項目，極氪智慧工廠已全面智能化、數字化，推動智能出行，聚焦具前瞻性的技術開發。我們參觀的生產線，一條生產軌道可根據智慧程式同時組裝不同的汽車型號，例如可在組裝SUV車輛、轎車或其他型號汽車之間調動，生產力大大提高。這比起我30年前參觀的加拿大通用汽車廠，一條生產軌道組裝一款汽車型號，技術發展不可同日而語。
當日廠房展示了一台售價大約29萬元人民幣、年生產30萬輛的轎車新品，外型非常豪華時尚，叫人印象深刻。合作伙伴方面，極氪非常重視「極氪生態圈」(ZEEKR Ecosystem)，芯片生產商NVIDIA、德國工程及電子業務公司BOSCH、海康威視數字技術股份有限公司(HIKVISION)、電動汽車電池生產商寧德時代(CATL)等，均是其合作伙伴，反映極氪網絡布全球。
上述柳州「上汽通用五菱寶駿生產基地」和寧波「吉利汽車極氪智慧工廠」，均已全面採用自動化、數字化的智慧型生產技術，對於提高生產力，稱得上有質的飛躍。此外，兩者均具備土地、投資及人才三項發展因素，即是生產基地佔地夠大、企業願意投資科研開發技術，並且有具魄力的領導及先進技術人才。今時今日，若只滿足於代工，又或者只求賺快錢，成就不了大事業。香港要推動再工業化，邁向新質生產力的發展層次，一方面要促進傳統製造業升級轉型，另一方面要整合最新科技創造更大價值，吸引高端製造業落戶，作長遠投資。
寧波舟山港口高度自動化
是次考察的另一個重點行程是走訪「世界第一大港」——寧波舟山港口。舟山港有19個港區，我們視察了北倫港和梅山港。舟山港海岸線全長達170公里，是中國最古老也是最先進的港口之一，擁有百多座深水泊位的特大型泊位群體，形成綜合性國際深水大港。2023年，舟山港的貨物吞吐量達13.2億噸，連續15年居全球首位；集裝箱吞吐量則有3530.1萬標準箱(TEUs)，連續6年世界第三；集裝箱航線共有302條，其中包括遠洋航線142條。
我們印象中需靠人手操作、人員汗流浹背的傳統貨櫃碼頭業景象，在舟山港找不著一絲痕跡。舟山港的運作高度自動化，比起我以前參觀過的港口都要先進，作業人員都是在空調辦公室內對著控制台操作。視察當日，便見大量無人駕駛貨櫃車絡繹不絕穿梭往來，反映其貨運量何其龐大。而且當地沒有「土地問題」，仍有大量土地供繼續擴建，發展勢頭正勁。
香港作為國際航運中心急需轉型
一個港口要成功發展，必備船、貨、地三大元素，即是要聯繫大量航線，有船泊岸卸貨；要接近生產貨源；更要有大量土地擴充發展。舟山港就擁有這些條件，而香港定位國際航運中心，貨櫃碼頭業要如何升級轉型，以適應地緣政治變化、全球產業鏈重組及航線調整等挑戰，需要深刻思考。
港口發展需要超長遠規劃，相對於依賴企業投資，我認為特區政府應盡快研究未來20年或更長遠的全球供應鏈及航線重組趨勢、貨櫃吞吐量走勢，評估香港對貨櫃碼頭用地的需要，亦要研究香港港口可否轉型成倫敦那樣的高端航運服務中心，專注從事海事法律、海事保險、海事仲裁及船舶管理等高價值航運服務，在「自由港」、「補時港」這些定位之上，加強與舟山港及大灣區港口的戰略分工。
此外，我建議盡快成立專門管理港口的法定機構港口管理局，好像機場管理局那樣，為港口發展及碼頭用地作長遠規劃，制訂香港航運業路的清晰策略定位，與五間碼頭營運商統籌對接，處理空置的貨櫃碼頭用地或協助營運商升級轉型，長遠鞏固香港國際航運中心的地位。
(撰文：葉劉淑儀，原文刊於《經濟通》)
Visiting Ningbo Port, Seizing the Opportunity for New Productivity Development
Earlier, taking advantage of the adjournment of the Executive Council and Legislative Council, I led a delegation comprising New People's Party Legislative Council members, district councilors, youth party members, as well as members of the Maritime Silk Road Association to visit Guangxi, Zhejiang, and Ningbo. The purpose of the visit was to understand the latest developments in mainland China's high-end manufacturing industry, how to effectively utilize new productivity, and to tour the highly automated ports in the area. Both visits were very enriching, and we gained a lot, providing us with profound insights into how Hong Kong can move towards high-quality economic development.
Guilin's Esquel Textile Develops Green Production Automation Technology
In early August, our observation group first visited Guangxi and toured Esquel Textile in Guilin to understand how the region is promoting the green transformation of businesses. Guilin, known for its picturesque landscapes, has in recent years placed increasing importance on ecological conservation and actively encouraged factories to relocate away from the Li River to promote green tourism.
Esquel Textile's transformation has gone through several stages, starting from the Guilin Cotton Spinning Mill founded during the "Great Leap Forward" period in the 1950s, which was renamed Guilin Yin Hai Textile in the 1990s as the country's economy took off. It then experienced the "cotton spinning pressure roller" policy in the millennium, survived production cuts and layoffs, until Hong Kong's Esquel Textile acquired and reorganized it in 2011. Subsequently, Esquel Textile has been committed to developing green production automation technology, innovative wastewater treatment technology, and transforming one of its factories in Xinjiang into a technology enterprise incubation center to attract startups in support of the country's development strategy.
Liuzhou's Wuling Motors Successfully Transforms to Produce Electric Vehicles
We also visited Liuzhou, an industrial hub in southwestern China. In 2023, Liuzhou accounted for one-seventh of Guangxi's economic output and a quarter of its industrial production value. The automotive manufacturing industry is the cornerstone of Liuzhou's industry. We toured the Wuling Motors electric vehicle production base, which was formerly the Liuzhou Tractor Factory.
In the 1980s, faced with excess capacity, the Liuzhou Tractor Factory transitioned from producing tractors to sewing machines and cotton looms. They then vigorously planned the development of micro-cars and successfully developed the first Wuling brand LZ110 light truck in 1984.
The renowned "Wuling Sunshine" became the mainland's first vehicle to pass the "Frontal Impact Passenger Protection" test certification without installing airbags and was fully tested and verified according to the most advanced international automotive technology standards, earning recognition as the "most important car on Earth" by Forbes magazine.
With the rise of the domestic electric vehicle market, Wuling Motors seized the opportunity. The production line at the SAIC-GM-Wuling Baojun production base in Liuzhou is fully automated, leading to a significant 30% reduction in operational costs and a substantial increase in productivity.
Ningbo: A Trillion-Yuan GDP City
In early September, our group visited Ningbo, the second-largest city in Zhejiang. Ningbo is a vital port city on the southeast coast of China, with a total land area of 9,816 square kilometers and a sea area of 8,355.8 square kilometers. The city has developed several key areas such as the Economic and Technological Development Zone, Qianwan New Area, Yongjiang Science and Technology Innovation Zone, High-tech Industrial Development Zone, and Petrochemical Economic and Technological Development Zone. It is also a national demonstration zone for independent innovation. Moreover, Zhoushan Port has ranked first globally in cargo throughput for 15 consecutive years. In 2023, Ningbo's regional GDP reached 1.64 trillion yuan, making it one of the two "trillion-yuan GDP cities" in Zhejiang. The city is dedicated to promoting new productivity in various industries, providing valuable insights for Hong Kong to learn from.
GAC's Geek Smart Factory Showcases Futuristic Innovation
The automotive industry, including new energy vehicles, smart connected vehicles, and core components, is a key focus in Ningbo. Therefore, one of our main highlights was visiting GAC's Geek Smart Factory. The name "Geek" in Geekr is a fusion of Generation Z and Geek, reflecting a futuristic sense right from the brand name.
As one of Zhejiang's first future factory projects, the Geek Smart Factory is fully intelligent and digitized, promoting smart mobility and focusing on cutting-edge technological development. The production line we visited featured a track that can simultaneously assemble different car models based on intelligent programming, allowing for the assembly of SUVs, sedans, or other vehicle models interchangeably, significantly boosting productivity. This is a stark contrast to the Canadian General Motors plant I visited 30 years ago, where one production line assembled a single car model, showcasing the vast advancements in technology over the years.
On that day, the factory showcased a luxury sedan priced at around 290,000 RMB, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles. The car's stylish and luxurious appearance left a lasting impression. In terms of partnerships, ZEEKR places significant emphasis on the "ZEEKR Ecosystem," with partners including chip manufacturer NVIDIA, German engineering and electronics company BOSCH, digital technology company HIKVISION, and electric vehicle battery manufacturer CATL, reflecting ZEEKR's global network.
Both the SAIC-GM-Wuling Baojun production base in Liuzhou and the GAC Geek Smart Factory in Ningbo have fully embraced automated, digitized smart production technologies, resulting in a significant leap in productivity. Besides, both possess three key development factors: ample land, investment in research and development technology, and visionary leadership along with advanced technical talent. Today, merely focusing on OEM manufacturing or seeking quick profits cannot lead to significant achievements. For Hong Kong to drive reindustrialization and progress towards new productive forces, it must not only promote the upgrade and transformation of traditional manufacturing industries but also integrate the latest technologies to create greater value, attract high-end manufacturing industries, and encourage long-term investment.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port: Highly Automated Port Operations
Another key part of our inspection was visiting the "world's largest port" - the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. Zhoushan Port comprises 19 port areas, and we inspected the Beilun Port and Meishan Port. With a coastline stretching 170 kilometers, Zhoushan Port is one of China's oldest and most advanced ports, boasting a mega-terminal cluster with over a hundred deep-water berths, establishing itself as a comprehensive international deep-water port.
In 2023, Zhoushan Port handled a cargo throughput of 1.32 billion tons, maintaining its global top position for 15 consecutive years. The port also handled 35.301 million standard containers (TEUs), ranking third globally for six consecutive years. It operates 302 container routes, including 142 international routes, showcasing its extensive global connectivity and importance in international trade.
In contrast to the traditional image of manual labor and sweat-drenched workers at container terminals that we may have in mind, there was no trace of such scenes at the Zhoushan Port. The operations at Zhoushan Port are highly automated, far more advanced compared to ports I had visited previously. The operational staff are stationed in air-conditioned offices, operating control consoles rather than engaging in manual labor on the docks.
During our inspection, we witnessed a significant number of unmanned container trucks shuttling back and forth continuously, indicating the immense volume of cargo being handled. Moreover, with no "land constraints" in the area, there is ample land available for further expansion, reflecting a strong momentum in development.
Hong Kong Urgently Needs to Transform as an International Shipping Center
To successfully develop a port, it must possess the three key elements of ships, cargo, and land. This means it needs to connect to numerous shipping routes, have ships docking to unload cargo, be close to sources of production, and have ample land for expansion and development. Zhoushan Port has these conditions, while Hong Kong, positioned as an international shipping center, needs to consider how its container terminal industry can upgrade and transform to adapt to challenges such as geopolitical changes, global supply chain restructuring, and route adjustments. This requires deep reflection.
Port development requires long-term planning. Instead of solely relying on corporate investments, I believe the Special Administrative Region government should promptly research global supply chain and route restructuring trends for the next 20 years or even longer, track container throughput trends, assess Hong Kong's needs for container terminal land, and explore whether Hong Kong's ports can transform into a high-end shipping service center similar to London. This transformation would involve focusing on high-value shipping services such as maritime law, maritime insurance, maritime arbitration, and ship management. Beyond its current roles as a "free port" and a "hub port," Hong Kong should strengthen strategic collaboration with Zhoushan Port and ports in the Greater Bay Area.
In addition, I recommend promptly establishing a statutory body, the Port Authority, dedicated to managing ports similar to the Airport Authority. This authority would be responsible for long-term planning for port development and terminal land use, formulating a clear strategic positioning for Hong Kong's shipping industry, coordinating with the five terminal operators, managing vacant container terminal land, and assisting operators in upgrading and transforming. These efforts would help solidify Hong Kong's position as an international shipping center in the long run.