Aging Drivers and Manpower Shortage Hit Logistics Sector

In recent years, Hong Kong's logistics sector has seen a decline in status. In response, the government introduced the Modern Logistics Development Action Plan to stimulate industry growth. At today’s (27th) meeting of the Legislative Council’s Economic Development Panel, lawmakers expressed concern over manpower shortages—some noted that in certain areas, the average age of drivers is nearing 70. They urged the government to explain how it plans to address this serious labor shortage.

Legislator Rock Chen highlighted the aging workforce, pointing out that drivers at Kwai Chung Terminal average nearly 70 years old. He questioned how the government will tackle short- and medium-term labor gaps and whether increasing foreign labor quotas for the sector would be considered. Chief Assistant Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Cheuk Shui-wan, said the government is promoting maritime and aviation careers through a dedicated training fund and encouraging employers to make use of talent import schemes.

Executive Council member Jeffrey Lam also raised concerns about business relocation challenges across industries. While the government plans to allocate land for logistics operators in the future, Lam warned that some businesses "cannot survive" the wait. He called for infrastructure development to precede logistics expansion and proposed the establishment of an Industry Relocation Committee to support production continuity. Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Vivian Chan, responded that discussions with the Development Bureau are ongoing.

Legislator for the transport and shipping sector, Yick Chi-ming, pointed out that Hong Kong and the mainland are developing in a similar direction, calling it a form of unhealthy competition that is "beneficial to neither side." He urged the government to strengthen collaboration with mainland authorities and inquired about the progress of Hong Kong’s stake in Zhuhai Airport. Vivian Chan agreed on the need for more communication with the mainland to "grow the pie" and confirmed that there has been progress on the Zhuhai Airport investment, though no details are available at this stage. She promised to follow up with Yick after the meeting.