Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy holds meeting in Shenzhen (with photos)

     The Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, and Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government Mr Tao Yongxin, leading delegations of the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Shenzhen respectively, held the fifth meeting of the Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy in Shenzhen today (August 21).

     At today's meeting, both sides reported on the progress of the work of the Working Group for Sha Tau Kok Co-operation Zone and the Working Group for Qianhai – Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, as well as the latest work on cross-boundary rail transport and boundary control points. The HKSAR Government also introduced key tasks for the Northern Metropolis in the second half of the year, including the progress of land presumptions and engineering works for the Kwu Tung North/Fanling North New Development Area and the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area; the planning of the San Tin Technopole and a number of new development areas in Lau Fau Shan, Ngau Tam Mei, Ma Tso Lung and the New Territories North New Town; the tendering of sites for multi-storey buildings for modern industries; invitations for expression of interest for developments at the innovation and technology sites in Sandy Ridge and its follow-up work; and the exploration of the "development of local districts" approach.

     After the meeting, the delegation of the government of Shenzhen accompanied the delegation of the HKSAR Government on visits to Shatoujiao in Shenzhen, BYD Company Limited, and Longgang Energy Ecological Park.

     Mr Wong said, "We believe that expediting developments in the Northern Metropolis will help capitalise on and strengthen synergies with Shenzhen and other cities in the Greater Bay Area, promoting further economic and social integration between the two places, and allow Hong Kong to fully integrate into the overall development of the country."

     Officials of the HKSAR Government attending the meeting today also included the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk; the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong; and the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, as well as the heads of relevant departments.