Closer ties: Acting Deputy Secretary for Security Alan Chu (right, in front row) and Shenzhen Municipal People's Government Vice Secretary General Tang Yaozhi (left, in front row), shake hands after signing the agreement in Shenzhen.

An entrustment agreement has been signed on the construction of boundary crossing facilities on the Hong Kong side of the Western Corridor with Shenzhen.

Attending the signing ceremony in Shenzhen today, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee said Hong Kong will work with Shenzhen in co-ordinating the construction.

"This is to ensure the design, construction and operation of the facilities will meet the technical requirements and management standards of both sides," he said.

Both sides ensure smooth completion of the facilities

Shenzhen Municipal People's Government Executive Vice-Mayor Xu Zongheng said the two governments will ensure the smooth completion of the facilities as soon as possible.

The two sides signed the entrustment agreement on the crossing's design facilities on February 5. The design work has set a solid foundation for the construction ahead.

After detailed study and discussion, both sides also agreed to entrust the construction works to the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government. 

Completion postponed to July 2006

Taking into account the settlement rate of the reclaimed land and the need to ensure quality works, the two sides agreed a longer time is required for the completion of construction works by July 2006.

The two sides' customs and immigration facilities will be co-located at the crossing to provide convenient, efficient and safe services to passengers and vehicles in a comfortable environment.