Hong Kong and Guangdong should boost ties in major infrastructural projects, facilitating cross-boundary flow of people and cargo, environmental protection, economic and trade issues, and technology.

This was agreed at the 7th Working Meeting of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference in Hong Kong today. Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui and Guangdong Executive Vice-Governor Tang Bingquan chaired the meeting.

They agreed that closer ties will promote Guangdong's development; sustain Hong Kong's position as a shipping, financial and trade centre; and, enable both sides to benefit from developments during the 11th 5-year Plan period.

Infrastructure, boundary flow

The remaining works for the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor, and the new control point, have been targeted to open in the first half of 2007.

Construction works for the new boundary footbridge between Futian control point in Huanggang and the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line terminus will be completed by year's-end.

Ferry services between Hong Kong International Airport and the Pearl River Delta will be enhanced, and new routes explored.

Environment, economy

A report on the regional air quality monitoring results for the first half of the year will be released in October.

Details of the Emission Trading Pilot Scheme for Thermal Power Plants in the Pearl River Delta Region will be released this year for presentation to power companies, so prospective participants can find trading partners and draw up emission trading agreements.

A seminar will be held in October in which Guangdong officials will be invited to answer questions from Hong Kong businessmen on the policies and regulations governing the various service industries. To encourage Guangdong enterprises to set up business in Hong Kong, Invest Hong Kong will hold a seminar in Foshan in the second half of this year.

The two governments will launch a new round of the Guangdong-Hong Kong Technology Co-operation Funding Scheme this month to support the research and development, and application, of six technology areas.

Mr Hui was joined by Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Joseph Wong, Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam, and Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Eva Cheng.

The next conference will be held in Guangzhou in August.