Hong Kong and Shenzhen will work to have the Liangtang-Heung Yuen Wai boundary checkpoint open by 2018.

The two sides exchanged views on the project's work schedule, the co-operation mode of work projects linking Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and preparation for the design competition for the passenger terminal building, at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Joint Task Force on Boundary District Development's fourth meeting today.

At the meeting, convened in Hong Kong by Secretary for Development Carrie Lam and Shenzhen Executive Vice Mayor Xu Qin, both sides said they are satisfied with the substantial progress made on the Lok Ma Chau Loop project, planning and engineering studies of which started over the summer.

With the initial view the loop will facilitate higher education, and cultural and creative industries, the task force said it should be developed along the principle of sustainable development to build an area for fostering cross-boundary talent, and exchange of knowledge and technology.

The study consultant will formulate a draft development plan, and the public will be consulted in the first half of next year.