What Changed
- Signing of the MOU on Strategic Cooperation between Hong Kong and Shanghai on October 20, 2026.
- Official launch announcement of the 'Shanghai-Hong Kong Express' demonstration project scheduled for October 21, 2026.
- Preparation by Hong Kong's Transport and Logistics Bureau to announce a second batch of partner ports at Hong Kong Maritime Week in November 2026.
On October 20, 2026, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Ms Mable Chan, attended the 2026 North Bund Forum in Shanghai and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a 'brother port' strategic relationship between Hong Kong and Shanghai.
The MOU, titled 'MOU on Strategic Cooperation between Hong Kong and Shanghai on Further Promoting High-Quality Collaborative Maritime Development', was signed alongside the Director of the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, Mr Xiao Hui. The ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Mr Zhang Yong and Vice-Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government Mr He Qing.
**Core Areas of Strategic Cooperation**
Under the newly formed framework, Hong Kong and Shanghai will strengthen cross-border collaboration across seven main sectors:
1. Smart port and maritime technology development;
2. Co-ordinated development of container liners' operations and supporting services;
3. Green and low-carbon port and shipping practices;
4. Synergised development of high-end maritime services;
5. Co-ordinated development of the intermodal logistics sector;
6. Cultural and industry exchanges within the maritime community; and
7. Nurturing and exchanges among maritime professionals.
**Strategic Context and Next Steps**
This partnership fulfills objectives outlined in Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address, which called for expanding Hong Kong's partner port network and establishing a 'brother port' relationship with Shanghai within the year.
As an initial concrete outcome under the MOU, the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) announced it will witness the official launch of the 'Shanghai-Hong Kong Express' shipping demonstration project on October 21, 2026. Furthermore, the TLB is actively preparing to announce a second batch of domestic and international partner ports during the annual Hong Kong Maritime Week scheduled for November 2026.
Who May Be Affected
Shipping lines, port operators, intermodal logistics providers, maritime professional services, and industry personnel operating between Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Cross-Border Context
Deepens maritime and logistical integration between Hong Kong SAR and Shanghai (Mainland China).
What to check next
- Official launch details of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Express on October 21, 2026.
- Announcement of the second batch of partner ports during Hong Kong Maritime Week in November 2026.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.