The Emission Trading Pilot Scheme for Thermal Power Plants in the Pearl River Delta Region is expected to be finalised this year and its details will be presented to plants in Hong Kong and Guangdong.

The 6th Working Meeting of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference was held in Guangzhou today. Chaired by Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui and Guangdong Executive Vice-Governor Tang Bingquan, the meeting reviewed co-operation in environmental protection.

Power companies will be shown the scheme so that prospective participants can identify trading partners and form emission trading agreements.

Both sides also agreed to implement mitigation measures to achieve emissions reduction targets by 2010.

They include technical exchange on vehicle emission standards, continuous emission monitoring of stationary pollution sources, and desulphurisation and other systems for power plants.

The meeting also discussed construction of major infrastructural projects, facilitation of cross-boundary flow of people and cargo, co-operation in technology, trade and economic activities, prevention of infectious diseases and ensuring food safety.

Infrastructural projects

On the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor, the two sides agreed to continue the remaining work to ensure the project is completed on schedule.

Hong Kong will work with Shenzhen and Guangdong on the implementation of co-location arrangements at control points and the regulation of cross-boundary traffic.

Both sides will continue with preparatory work for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

Since airline check-in services for travellers making their way to Hong Kong International Airport at Shekou ferry terminal has been well-received, the two governments agreed to extend the scheme in phases to cover more control points.

On economic and trade co-operation, the two sides are planning to organise business seminars in other cities in Guangdong Province and to arrange delegations for interested enterprises to visit Hong Kong.

They will organise promotional activities to strengthen exchanges between professional sectors and the service industry, and enhance promotion of concessionary measures set under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.