Infrastructure project: Hong Kong and Shenzhen expect to commission the Shenzhen Bay Port in mid-2007. Picture shows the entrance to the Passenger Terminal Building at the Hong Kong Port Area.

A bill providing a legal basis for the setting up of a Hong Kong Port Area inside the Shenzhen Bay Port will be tabled at the Legislative Council on February 7.

The Shenzhen Bay Port Hong Kong Port Area Bill, gazetted today, underpins the arrangement that will allow Hong Kong's customs and immigration facilities to be co-located with those of the Mainland at the Shenzhen Bay Port in Shekou.

Among other items, the bill provides for the application of Hong Kong laws to the Hong Kong Port Area and the court's jurisdiction in this connection.

Essential services continue

It also extends the territorial limits of certain pre-existing rights and obligations arising from the exercise or performance of statutory powers to include the Hong Kong Port Area, ensuring effective law enforcement and continuity of essential services in the area.

A pre-existing warrant of arrest can be enforced in the area; a qualified doctor or other recognised professional will be qualified to practise in the area; and a driving licence issued by the Transport Department will cover the area.

The Security Bureau said Hong Kong will administer the area as a closed area according to Hong Kong laws, as in the case of other land boundary control points.

Commissioning date

Hong Kong and Shenzhen expect to commission the Shenzhen Bay Port in mid-2007.

The two-way daily traffic and passenger flows are expected to reach 29,800 vehicles and 30,800 passengers during the initial opening period. This is expected to double to about 60,300 vehicles and 61,300 passengers each day in 2016.