Strength in unity: Guangdong Governor Huang Huahua and Chief Executive Donald Tsang shake hands at the 10th Plenary of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference.

The construction of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link Hong Kong section will adopt the dedicated-corridor option, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says, adding the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line is slated to open on August 15.

Speaking after the 10th Plenary of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference today, Mr Tsang said cross-boundary infrastructural development will be a key focus of Hong Kong and Guangdong's future co-operation.

The study on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge's boundary-crossing facilities' locations and financing arrangements is underway, he said.

Dedicated corridor

The Government has also decided to adopt the dedicated corridor option for building the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, after considering the technical requirements, passenger forecast, Hong Kong's future economic development and the closer trade ties between Hong Kong and Guangdong.

Mr Tsang said Kowloon-Canton Railway has submitted a detailed project proposal, adding the Government is exploring with KCRC and Mainland authorities the project's engineering and operational aspects.

On trade, Mr Tsang said the task force helping outward-processing traders to comply with the Mainland's new policy - made up of representatives from relevant Government bureaux and departments, trade and commerce organisations and supporting bodies - will explore and assess the new policy's impact on the industry and society. It will hold its first meeting tomorrow.

Outward processing trade

Noting the task force will put forth measures to offer the trade some relief, such as helping them to upgrade and boost their competitive edge, Mr Tsang said it will also act as a bridge between the trade and the Mainland authorities, reflecting their views and suggestions.

Hong Kong and Guangdong today signed a pact on promoting service industries' co-operation between the two cities under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.

Measures to help cut emissions, save energy

The Chief Executive noted  the Cleaner Production Technical Support Pilot Project will be completed in October, to help Hong Kong-owned factories in Guangdong save energy and cut emissions.

He also noted that measures under the Pan-Pearl River Delta Air Quality Management Plan are under review, and a report will be submitted to the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Sustainable Development & Environmental Protection by the end of this year.