Mutual benefits: Guangdong Provincial Party Committee Secretary Zhang Dejiang says Hong Kong will benefit from the Pan-Pearl River Delta co-operation and development.

The Pan-Pearl River Delta co-operation and development will be conducive to CEPA's further implementation.

It will also boost businesses in Hong Kong and Macau, enhancing their prosperity and stability, Guangdong Provincial Party Committee Secretary Zhang Dejiang says.

Speaking at the first Pan-Pearl River Delta Co-operation & Development Forum in Hong Kong today, Mr Zhang, who is also a China Central Committee Communist Party Political Bureau member, said the co-operation will promote Hong Kong's financial and logistics services and tourism.

He noted the co-operation has a sound basis and the key to promoting development among the nine provinces and two special administrative regions is to complement each other and capitalise on strengths.

HK a global logistics, finance & trade centre

Mr Zhang expected in 10 to 20 years' time, Guangdong will become the world's major manufacturing base, Hong Kong the major international logistics, finance and trade services centre, while Macau the most attractive gambling and tourism centre and a regional trade services platform.

The strengthened co-operation among the three places will turn the Pan-Pearl River Delta into the world's most prosperous and vibrant economic centre, he added.

Transport infrastructure set to boost co-operation

Minister of Communications Zhang Chunxian said at the forum that a number of highway networks are on the drawing board to link up the provinces and special administrative regions.

There are also plans to improve navigation channels in the region, Mr Zhang said, adding that further co-ordination of port facilities will bolster the region's advantages and Hong Kong's status as an international logistics centre.

On improving the co-operation mechanism, Zhang Dejiang said co-ordination committees of different levels will be set up to enhance communication among provinces and special administrative regions.

The forum will also be held annually, he said, and regional trade seminars will be held each year to promote exchanges and communication.