Conference call: Guangdong Executive Vice-Governor Tang Bingquan is greeted by Chief Secretary Donald Tsang.

More than 29,000 job opportunities are being created for Hong Kong residents at home and on the Mainland thanks to the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, bringing $5.5 billion in investment.

Co-chairing the 5th Working Meeting of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference today, Chief Secretary Donald Tsang noted the corresponding figures for Mainland workers were 17,000 jobs and $6.7 billion.

Mr Tsang and Guangdong Executive Vice-Governor Tang Bingquan reviewed CEPA's progress since the fourth meeting in January, and agreed on priority areas for the coming months.

Arrangement working well

Mr Tsang said the data proved CEPA is achieving its objectives of mutual benefits, complementary strength and joint prosperity. He said the two governments should work to strengthen CEPA's promotion, enhance transparency of policies and regulations, and simplify application procedures. In launching new policies and measures, consideration should be given to implementing them in Guangdong first on a pilot basis to try out simpler procedures and more flexible arrangements.

The Environment, Transport & Works Bureau is considering extending a secondment plan with the Shenzhen Construction and Works Bureaux to other regions. The first batch of architectural and engineering graduate trainees started secondment training in Shenzhen in May.

The two sides will complete arrangements for direct cargo freight services between Dongguan and Hung Hom in the coming months, and agreed to take forward preparatory work for the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. Meanwhile, the Airport Authority is planning to provide check-in services at Shekou on a pilot basis in July and August.

Guangdong, Macau and Hong Kong will join other provinces to promote the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region.

Closer connections agreed

Hong Kong and Guangdong will co-operate on cross-boundary transport and immigration to cope with tourist flow with the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland in September. They agreed to issue additional daily quotas for cross-boundary coaches via Lok Ma Chau, and formulate transport arrangements for Mainlanders visiting the theme park.

Measures promoting cross-boundary freight transportation will be implemented, such as relaxing the "1-truck-1-driver" requirement, extending the duration of service for joint Guangdong-Hong Kong cross-boundary freight transportation businesses and extending the operating hours of inland control points on a pilot basis.

The two governments will support 67 research and development projects with a total funding of $300 million, and are considering increasing the funding amount. Applications will open next month.

Mr Tsang said the scheme will help promote technology co-operation, facilitate technology transfer and commercialisation, and support the development and upgrading of industries in the Greater Pearl River Delta. It will also encourage the enhancement of the innovative and technological capabilities of enterprises in the two jurisdictions.