Official: HK-Shenzhen cross-boundary development groups formed

HONG KONG, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong and Shenzhen will setup working groups to follow up on the development of Lok Ma Chau Loop and the planning of the Liantang-Heung Yuen Wai control point at the two cities' bordering area, a press release from the Information Services Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said on Monday.

Speaking after the HK-Shenzhen Joint Task Force Meeting in Shenzhen in the south of Guangdong province on Monday morning, Hong Kong Secretary for Development Carrie Lam said a joint study on the development of Lok Ma Chau Loop will start in 2008, the press release said.

Consultants will be appointed to study the project's feasibility and possible use of the concerned land. The costs will be shared by the two cities, according to the press release.

The two governments will also appoint academic organizations to collect views of the public, experts, and professional bodies and universities on the project.

On the proposed Liantang-Heung Yuen Wai control point, Lam said the facility will link to the boundary-crossing corridors in eastern Shenzhen and Guangdong province.

The move will enhance the connections between Hong Kong, Shenzhen, eastern Guangdong and nearby provinces, promoting regional co-operation and economic development.

Lam said the task force will meet twice a year to discuss the planning work on cross-boundary issues. She believed the mechanism will enhance the efficiency of the two cities' planning work and promote the region's prosperity, the press release said.