Hong Kong and Guangdong Extend Co-operation

Commenting on progress made at the recent Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG), Mr Donald Tsang, outlined achievements in such areas as major infrastructural projects, air quality, control-point operation, cross-boundary flows of people and cargo, food safety and disease prevention.

In addition, the 11th National Five-Year Plan (FYP), which commenced this year, prompted both sides to agree on further co-operation to tie in with Guangdong's future development, and to capitalize on the opportunities it brings.

Highlights of the co-operation include:
¨ The setting of boundary-crossing facilities and mode of immigration and customs inspections on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge;
¨ Working towards commissioning of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor before July 1, 2007;
¨ Completion of the evaluation and planning study of the Eastern Corridor as soon as possible;
¨ Working to improve air quality by reaching agreed emission reduction targets by 2010;
¨ Completion of an implementation framework for the Emission Trading Pilot Scheme for Thermal Power Plants in the PRD Region;
¨ Approval of a co-operation project between the Hong Kong Airport Authority and Zhuhai Airport, with the handover of Zhuhai Airport management to be conducted shortly;
¨ Opening of Liaobu inland control in Dongguan by the end of this year, offering express clearance systems for speedier, more effective inspection;
¨ Establishing notification mechanisms for the prevention of infectious diseases and food safety;
¨ Enhancing the implementation of new CEPA liberalization measures;
¨ Facilitating Guangdong enterprises to set up businesses in Hong Kong;
¨ Leading of delegations by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, and the Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Huang Huahua, to Paris, France, for a joint promotion on Greater PRD and Pan-PRD regions on November 10; and
¨ Support of research and development projects to the tune of about HK$800 million by the Hong Kong/Guangdong Technology Co-operation Funding Scheme

Guangdong's 11th Five-Year Plan also brought together Hong Kong's Constitutional Affairs Bureau and the Planning Department with the Guangdong Development and Reform Commission (GDDRC) for an information-sharing session. Acknowledging that an efficient and comprehensive cross-regional transport network will have many benefits, including enhanced economic integration, both sides agreed they must step up the exchange of planning information in order to formulate a comprehensive transport system that meets the needs of their economic growth.

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