The Greater Pearl River Delta Business Council is preparing a proposal to include education services in the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Hong Kong and the Mainland. It is also studying proposals to enhance communication between Hong Kong and Guangdong on technological development and promoting commercialisation of research and development deliverables.

In its first annual report published today, the council said it has looked into many topics under Hong Kong/Guangdong co-operation in the past year, and came up with relevant recommendations.

It is very concerned with the air pollution problem, which has affected residents and the region's attractiveness to international investors and tourists.

It will join hands with the governments and business sectors of the two places to promote environmental protection and study clean productions.

It recommended that both governments join hands in promoting CEPA, enhance transparency of relevant regulations and streamline procedures for setting up business operations.

The two governments should co-ordinate an annual Greater Pearl River Delta promotional plan to better promote the whole region.

Chairman finds work rewarding, reinforcing

Writing in the annual report, the council's Chairman Dr Victor Fung said the integration between Hong Kong and Guangdong has been mutually rewarding and reinforcing.

The enhanced co-operation between the two places will strengthen the competitiveness of the entire region and promote its development, he added.

Established in March 2004, the Business Council gives advice to the Chief Executive on Hong Kong/Guangdong co-operation. It also provides a forum for the private sectors of Hong Kong and Guangdong to exchange views on co-operation issues.