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Opinion
3 ways to build Hong Kong’s yacht economy beyond infrastructure
Licensing regulations, Greater Bay Area integration and the vital role of casual boaters need to be included in the discussion
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Ian Borchard is the founder and CEO of Harbovr Boats, a Hong Kong company bringing modernisation and electrification to the marine industry through innovative design.
Hong Kong is in a unique position to capitalise on yacht tourism – with over 1,000km of coastline and more than 200 islands, this natural advantage is something few international cities can match.
Recent policy initiatives, ranging from new mooring developments to cross-boundary integration within the Greater Bay Area, signal the government’s clear intent to further promote the marine economy. Plans to add over 1,100 new berths and expand key sites, such as the Aberdeen typhoon shelter and the former Lamma quarry, show real action.
Much of the media conversation around Hong Kong’s yacht economy has focused on the city’s shortage of berths and marina facilities. And rightly so – physical infrastructure is crucial to the industry. But infrastructure alone will not unlock Hong Kong’s full potential.
The conversation must shift to include items beyond physical infrastructure. Improved licensing regulations, increased integration with the Greater Bay Area and the vital role of vessels that fall outside the superyacht designation need to be included in the discussion.
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