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The State Council, at its executive meeting today (October 28), approved the Feasibility Study report of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Project. The construction of the HZMB Main Bridge will commence in phases by the end of this year for completion by 2015/16.
The HZMB is of strategic significance to the further economic development of Hong Kong, Macao and the Western Pearl River Delta region ("Western PRD"). It will significantly reduce transportation costs and time for travellers and goods on the road between Hong Kong and the Western PRD. With the connectivity brought about by the HZMB, the Western PRD will fall within a reachable three-hour commuting radius of Hong Kong, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the Western PRD to external investment, upgrading its industrial structure, and providing ample opportunities for Hong Kong businessmen to expand their operation in the Mainland. Key sectors in Hong Kong, such as tourism, finance, trade, commerce and logistics, will benefit from this new economic hinterland.
To tie in with the construction of the HZMB Main Bridge, the Hong Kong SAR is pressing ahead with the boundary crossing facilities and link road projects within Hong Kong's territory, including the completion of the necessary statutory procedures as well as the detailed design so as to enable their synchronized completion with that of the Main Bridge.
Ends/Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Issued at HKT 23:30
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