The bid to build a bridge linking Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao has received
new momentum now that a co-ordination committee has been given the green light
to examine the advance works of the proposed project.
Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa disclosed yesterday the committee will study
the hydrology, environmental protection, economic benefits and routing of the
bridge. All costs incurred will be shared by the three sides.
The committee, which will be convened by the Hong Kong side and comprise
three representatives from each area linked by the bridge, will hold its first
meeting on August 30. Results of the study will be submitted to the central
government for approval, Tung said.
"The bridge will be crucial for Hong Kong's future development and it is
important to undertake the advance works as soon as possible," he said.
Tung revealed this after the Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation Joint
Conference held its sixth meeting at Government House yesterday. The delegations
were led by Tung and Guangdong Province Governor Huang Huahua.
The meeting provided the two sides with a chance to map out a new chapter of
co-operation.
The ultimate goal is to transform the Greater Pearl River Delta area into the
most vibrant and competitive economic zone in the world within the framework of
the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), the two sides agreed.
Apart from entering a tripartite feasibility study on the inter-boundary
bridge, the two sides also agreed to enhance co-operation in 12 areas.
They include a notification mechanism on infectious diseases and a regional
express train service connecting Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
The meeting, co-chaired for the first time by the administrative heads of the
two areas, was also the first official exchange at the highest level between
them after the signing of CEPA on June 29.
Editor: Liao Ming
By:JOSEPH LI Source:China Daily