Chief Executive John Lee met Zhuhai Mayor Huang Zhihao today to discuss deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhuhai.

After welcoming Mr Huang and his delegation to the city, Mr Lee expressed gratitude for the strong support of the central government, the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Zhuhai Municipal Government in taking forward and implementing the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles.

Starting July 1, approved Hong Kong private cars will be allowed to travel between Hong Kong and Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

Mr Lee said he believes that the scheme will enable Hong Kong and Zhuhai to embrace the opportunities brought by the bridge and facilitate further connection between the two places. 

He pointed out that the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has been working closely with the Zhuhai Municipal Government to start collaboration over the operation and management of Zhuhai Airport since 2006.

Last November, the two sides signed the Zhuhai Municipal Government and AAHK Co-operation Memorandum of Understanding, effectively combining the strengths of the two airports in Hong Kong and Zhuhai with multiplying synergy, thereby creating new opportunities for development.

The Chief Executive also noted that Hong Kong and Zhuhai have always been close partners in areas including trade, investment and aviation.

He encouraged Zhuhai enterprises to leverage on Hong Kong's advantages in areas such as finance, commerce, logistics, management and professional services to complement the strengths of Hong Kong enterprises and explore global markets.

Mr Lee added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to make the best use of the institutional advantages of "one country, two systems" and its highly market-oriented and international business environment underpinned by the rule of law, serving the needs of the country with the strengths of Hong Kong.

Under the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong and Zhuhai can co-operate on various fronts to achieve complementarity and mutual benefits.