The HK-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge will help realise the strategic benefits of promoting the socio-economic development of the western Pearl River and reinforce Hong Kong's status as an international shipping and aviation centre.

This was the message from Transport Advisory Committee Chairman Dr Cheng Hon-kwan after being briefed on the project's progress.

He said the committee welcomes the project saying it will reduce travel time from Hong Kong to Macau and Zhuhai to within 30 minutes.

The Governments of the three jurisdictions have set up a Bridge Advance Work Co-ordination Group to start planning.

The group has agreed to proceed with the project as quickly as possible, and will soon set up an office in Guangzhou and commission a design institute to conduct feasibility studies.

Also, the HK Government will conduct all necessary statutory procedures and feasibility studies for the connecting infrastructure within Hong Kong.