Close partners: Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang, Guangdong Vice-Governor Wan Qingliang, and Macau Secretary for Economy & Finance Tam Pak-yuen chair the third liaison and co-ordinating meeting.

The regional co-operation plan on building a quality living area will be completed by the second quarter of 2010, Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang says.

Speaking after the 3rd Liaison & Co-ordinating Meeting of Hong Kong, Guangdong & Macau in Jointly Taking Forward the Implementation of the Outline of the Plan for the Reform & Development of the Pearl River Delta in Guangzhou today, he said the plan will transform the Pearl River Delta region into a sustainable, green and quality living area.

"During the period of Shanghai Expo, together with representatives from Guangdong and Macau, we plan to share the content of the plan at the seminar on green living to be organised in Shanghai," he said.

Regarding the regional co-operation plan on infrastructure construction, the three sides have come to a preliminary consensus on the coverage of the regional co-operation plan, and will continue to discuss the details.

More co-operation

The establishment of "cross-location" sub-branches for Hong Kong banks in Guangdong and joint venture securities investment advisory companies have been receiving positive responses. As at January, the Guangdong China Banking Regulatory Commission has approved the applications of four Hong Kong banks to form five sub-branches.

The Planning Study on the Co-ordinated Development of the Greater Pearl River Delta Townships, which will strengthen co-ordinated development in the Greater Pearl River Delta region, was completed and the findings were promulgated in October last year.

On the basis of the study recommendations, the three governments have launched preparatory work on a joint study on the action plan for the Bay Area of the Pearl River Estuary.

The detailed scope of the study is being worked out by the three governments, with a view to starting the study as soon as possible for completion within the year.