Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy holds meeting in Hong Kong (7.2.2024)
7.2.2024

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 fourth meeting of the Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy in Hong Kong today (February 7). At today's meeting, the HKSAR Government introduced the Northern Metropolis Action Agenda and the Hong Kong Major Transport Infrastructure Development Blueprint, which were promulgated last year, as well as major tasks for the Northern Metropolis this year. These major tasks include commencing works for the second-phase development of Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen, the remaining-phase development of Kwu Tung North/Fanling North, and the first-phase development of the San Tin Technopole; and conducting public engagement on the land use proposals for four regions, including Lau Fau Shan, Ngau Tam Mei, New Territories North New Town and Ma Tso Lung. The HKSAR Government also introduced details of the implementation of the Second Phase Opening-up of Sha Tau Kok. The government of Shenzhen, on the other hand, introduced relevant development plans on the Shenzhen side connecting to the Northern Metropolis. Both sides exchanged views on matters related to the collaboration on the Northern Metropolis including cross-boundary transport, planning of control points, etc. Both sides agreed to continue strengthening co-operation to pursue high-quality development. After the meeting, the delegation of the HKSAR Government and the delegation of the government of Shenzhen visited the Hong Kong Science Park. They were briefed by representatives of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation on the developments of the park and visited a medical robotics centre. After that, the delegations visited the Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area to learn about the latest progress of the opening up of the area. Mr Wong said, "The Northern Metropolis adopts an 'industry-driven and infrastructure-led' approach as its key planning axle, and will forge a major hub for Hong Kong to integrate into the overall development of our country. When formulating the industry positioning of each region in the Northern Metropolis, we attach great importance to the development positioning and potential of the corresponding areas in Shenzhen, the transport link, connections between boundary control points, and the prospects for co-operation between the two places, ensuring that the planning of the Northern Metropolis complements the development of Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area for mutual benefits. 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 Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk; the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong; the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, as well as the heads of relevant departments. Ends/Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Issued at HKT 17:58 NNNN