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Public consultation forum for "Study on the Action Plan for the Bay Area of the Pearl River Estuary"
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     The Planning Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today (January 29) held a public consultation forum for the "Study on the Action Plan for the Bay Area of the Pearl River Estuary" ("Bay Area Action Plan") in Hong Kong.

     The "Bay Area Action Plan" is one of the follow-up actions of the "Planning Study on the Co-ordinated Development of the Greater Pearl River Delta Townships", which was jointly commissioned by the Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao governments in 2009.  It is also an important regional co-operation project based on the "Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta (2008-2020)" promulgated by the State Council in 2008, as well as the "Framework Agreement on Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation" signed in April last year.

     The Study, which commenced in April 2010, was undertaken by Peking University and Guangdong Urban and Regional Planning and Design Institute as commissioned by the governments of the three places.  Its objective is to formulate actions to enhance the livability of the Bay Area, making it an area with quality living and favourable to economic development.

     Speaking at the forum, Director of Planning Mr Jimmy Leung said the study team had reviewed some characteristics and standards of livable regions in both Mainland China and overseas, examined the current situations as well as the opportunities and challenges facing the Bay Area, and put forward some preliminary suggestions in terms of development goals, strategies and key action plans for the promotion of livability in the Bay Area.

     "To enhance regional co-operation is one of our highlights, and the 'Bay Area Action Plan' is an important outcome of our mutual efforts.  It also serves as an outline strategic analysis for the reference of the governments of the three places in formulating regional co-operation and cross-boundary policies," Mr Leung said.

     The Vice President of Guangdong Urban and Rural Planning and Design Institute, Mr Song Jin-song gave a presentation on the preliminary outcome and major recommendations of the Study. Four experts from Hong Kong, Vice President (Institutional Advancement and Partnership) of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Angelina Yuen; Head of Department of Urban Planning and Design of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Anthony Yeh; Department of Geography of the University of Hong Kong, Dr James Wang; and Staff Officer of the Greater Pearl River Delta Business Council, Mr Chang Kamun were also invited to speak at the forum.

     More than 100 participants attended the forum, including Deputy Director-General of Guangdong Province Housing and Urban-Rural Construction Department, Mr Cai Ying; Chief of Urban Planning Department of Macao SAR, Mr Lao Iong; officials of Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao governments, experts, academics and representatives of the professional/research institutes in Hong Kong, as well as members of the public.

     The study team of the "Bay Area Action Plan" and the planning officials of Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao will consider the opinions received at the forum in order to refine the study proposals.

Ends/Saturday, January 29, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:15

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