The Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy held its sixth meeting in Hong Kong today.

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

In the morning, both delegations visited the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

In addition to receiving a briefing by representatives of the Civil Engineering & Development Department and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park on the planning, design and construction work of the park, they toured the newly completed talent accommodation building therein.

During the afternoon meeting, the Hong Kong SAR Government presented the achievements made in taking forward the development of the Northern Metropolis in the past year, including the development proposals for Ngau Tam Mei, the New Territories North New Town and Ma Tso Lung announced at the end of last year; and an earlier invitation for submissions of expressions of interest on three large-scale land disposal pilot areas.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also introduced the Development Outline for the Hetao Hong Kong Park promulgated in November last year, which clearly sets out the park’s major development directions, strategy and targets.

Both sides also exchanged views on the planning progress for the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai), the implementation of the Wutong Mountain-Robin's Nest Ecological Corridor and the planning and development of Hong Kong-Shenzhen control points.

Mr Wong said that the large-scale development of the Northern Metropolis brings myriad opportunities for Hong Kong.

“We will continue to leverage our unique advantages under the 'one country two systems' principle and give full play to our roles as a super-connector and super value-adder. We will work closely with Shenzhen to promote the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and contribute to the high-quality development of our country.”

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan, Under Secretary for Environment & Ecology Diane Wong and Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong also attended today's meeting.