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The Governments of the Hong Kong SAR, Guangdong and Macao SAR are implementing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) in full swing with the aim of commencing the construction work no later than 2010. In August 2008, the three governments agreed to contribute a total of RMB15.7 billion, which is about 42% of the estimated total construction cost of the HZMB Main Bridge. The remaining 58% of the cost required will be financed by loans.
The three governments are exploring various options for financing the remaining 58% of the cost so that the best financing arrangement for the HZMB Main Bridge project can be devised. Before drawing a conclusion, the three governments wish to obtain feedback from the market on provision of loan facilities.
The three governments now invite financial institutions in the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao to express interest, individually or as a consortium, in provision of loan facilities for the HZMB Main Bridge project. The Highways Department has issued invitation letters through the Hong Kong Association of Banks to all its member banks today (October 20).
The closing date for submission of the Expression of Interest is November 10, 2008. The returned Expression of Interest will be studied and analysed by the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Advance Work Co-ordination Group Project Office which was set up jointly by the three governments.
Ends/Monday, October 20, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:27
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