A high-level delegation from Tianjin's Dongjiang Free Trade Port Zone concluded a five-day visit to Hong Kong this week, marking a significant step forward in collaboration between the two regions in aircraft and ship leasing.
The visit, led by Dongjiang Administrative Committee Director Li Cailiang, included meetings with Hong Kong's Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan and other officials to explore new partnership opportunities.
The discussions focused on expanding the successful "Dongjiang+Hong Kong" aircraft leasing model to include maritime assets, leveraging Hong Kong's world-class shipping services, internationally recognized arbitration system, and premium ship registration platform. This builds upon a cooperation memorandum signed between the two parties in April 2023 that covers multiple areas, including financing, business development, and talent exchange.
A highlight of the visit was the official launch of Dongjiang International Aircraft Asset Management Company, the Hong Kong subsidiary established last November by Tianjin Dongjiang International Aircraft Asset Management. The new entity has already facilitated its first cross-boundary transaction involving a second-hand aircraft, demonstrating the effectiveness of the collaborative model.
Chan emphasized Hong Kong's unique advantages in supporting China's leasing industry, including competitive tax policies, a robust legal framework, and its position as the world's largest offshore RMB business hub. "As the southern gateway of our nation, Hong Kong will continue to leverage its strengths of being backed by the motherland while connecting globally," Chan said.
The partnership comes at a strategic time as China's domestic aviation and shipbuilding industries gain increasing international recognition. By combining Dongjiang's position as China's largest aircraft leasing cluster with Hong Kong's financial and professional services expertise, the collaboration aims to create new pathways for Chinese-made aircraft and vessels to enter global markets.
Industry experts note that this enhanced cooperation could potentially reshape the global leasing landscape, currently dominated by Ireland in aircraft leasing. With Hong Kong handling about 30% of global aircraft leasing assets and Dongjiang managing over 2,000 Chinese-leased aircraft, the combined strength of the two regions presents a formidable alternative in the international leasing market.
The visit also included specialized training sessions and networking events designed to foster deeper understanding and cooperation between leasing professionals from both regions. Both parties expressed confidence that their collaboration would not only benefit their respective leasing industries but also contribute to China's broader economic development strategy.
Looking ahead, the partners plan to develop joint marketing initiatives, streamline cross-boundary leasing processes, and explore innovative financing solutions to support the growth of China's leasing industry on the global stage.
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