The Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy held its fifth meeting in Shenzhen today.

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong and Shenzhen Vice Mayor Tao Yongxin led delegations representing the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Shenzhen respectively for the meeting.

Both sides reported on the progress of the work of the working group for Sha Tau Kok Co-operation Zone and the working group for Qianhai - Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area as well as the latest work on cross-boundary rail transport and boundary control points.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also introduced key tasks for the Northern Metropolis in the second half of the year, including the progress of land resumptions and engineering works for the Kwu Tung North/Fanling North New Development Area and the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area.

It also outlined the tasks on the planning of the San Tin Technopole and a number of new development areas in Lau Fau Shan, Ngau Tam Mei, Ma Tso Lung and the New Territories North New Town; the tendering of sites for multi-storey buildings for modern industries; invitations for expression of interest for developments at the innovation and technology sites in Sandy Ridge and its follow-up work; and the exploration of the "development of local districts" approach.

After the meeting, the Shenzhen Municipal Government delegation accompanied the Hong Kong SAR Government delegation on visits to Shatoujiao in Shenzhen, BYD Company, and Longgang Energy Ecological Park.

Mr Wong expressed that expediting developments in the Northern Metropolis will capitalise on and strengthen synergies with Shenzhen and other cities in the Greater Bay Area, thereby promoting further economic and social integration between the two places and allowing Hong Kong to fully integrate into the overall development of the country.