Towards a greener delta: Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau says the concept of cleaner production can bring factories real benefits.

A five-year programme will be launched early next year to encourage Hong Kong-owned factories in the Pearl River Delta Region to adopt cleaner production technologies and practices to upgrade the regional air quality, Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau says.

Speaking at a conference today, Mr Yau said cleaner production is not only a good concept from environmental protection perspective. When put into practice, it can bring real benefits to factories by cutting costs and reducing waste.

"There are also increasingly more business clients who attach great importance to environmental performance when looking for potential partners and suppliers," he added.

Through on-site assessment of the production processes, establishing real case examples with technology demonstration and verification of their effectiveness, the programme will offer participating factories professional and technical support in adopting cleaner production technologies and practices. The ultimate aim is to help cut emissions and boost energy efficiency, thus improving the regional air quality.

The Productivity Council will implement the programme in collaboration with other environmental technology and service providers. The Environmental Protection Department will consult the relevant trades and industries on the programme and seek funding support from lawmakers.