Bridging the gap: Chief Secretary Henry Tang and Guangdong Province Vice-Governor Wan Qingliang co-chair the 11th Working Meeting of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference.

Hong Kong and Guangdong have held the the 11th Working Meeting of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference.

Both sides agreed to complete and finalise the assessment of the feasibility study report on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge as soon as possible for submission to the Central Government.

Chief Secretary Henry Tang and Guangdong Province Vice-Governor Wan Qingliang co-chaired the meeting in Hong Kong today.

Both sides reviewed the progress and results of co-operation initiatives since the 10th working meeting - including the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, Liantang or Heung Yuen Wai control point, as well as the feasibility of connecting Hong Kong-Shenzhen airports by railway.

They discussed co-operation in environmental protection in the meeting. They were confident of achieving joint emissions reduction targets by 2010 and will strengthen and deepen co-operation for environmental improvements and quality living.

CEPA set to expand

Regarding the co-operation in economic and trade matters, both sides agreed to expand the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, and to provide assistance to Hong Kong-owned processing trade enterprises to upgrade and restructure their operations by holding seminars and on-site assessments. 　　

The Hong Kong and Shenzhen Governments have commissioned research organisations to conduct a public-engagement exercise on future land uses for the Lok Ma Chau Loop area. The exercise is expected to be completed by the end of August.

They also agreed the 11th Plenary of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference would be held in Guangzhou this summer.