Guangdong authorities may offer incentives to help Hong Kong factory owners in the Pearl River Delta adopt green measures, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says. The move will help factory owners overcome any implementation difficulties, he added.

A day before the 9th Plenary of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference, Mr Tsang today visited a power station in Shajiao, Dongguan, and a Hong Kong-funded toy and appliance factory in Guangdong to see measures taken by the province in improving air quality.

Mr Tsang said the factory has implemented measures to cut emissions while power plants will be fitted with desulphurisation systems.

Green plant: Chief Executive Donald Tsang visits a power station in Dongguan and samples its desulphurisation system. He also inspects sewerage treatment at a factory.

Good progress

Noting works to achieve regional emission reduction targets by 2010 are making good progress, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong and Guangdong bear the same goal in improving air quality despite the difference in the pace of economic development.

He said factory owners should enhance their environmental awareness and adopt green measures to improve the region's air and water quality. This will also help boost the region's economic development and their products' competitive edge.

On the emission trading scheme, Mr Tsang said it has been designed to help companies meet the reduction target at a minimal cost.

He said emissions from Hong Kong's power companies are regarded as a main source of air pollution. To ensure they comply with the required standard, conditions can be considered and applied when renewing their scheme of control, which will expire in 2008.