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Members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) were briefed on the progress of the Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macau Bridge project at their meeting today (October 21).

TAC Chairman Dr Cheng Hon-kwan said the study, jointly commissioned by the National Development and Reform Commission and the HKSAR Government, had confirmed the need for and urgency of a land transport link connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau."

"Members welcome the Bridge project which will reduce the travelling time from Hong Kong to Macau and Zhuhai to within half an hour. It will also realise the strategic benefits of promoting the socio-economic development of the Pearl River West and reinforcing Hong Kong's status as an international shipping and aviation centre," he added.

The Governments of Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong have set up a Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macau Bridge Advance Work Co-ordination Group to start advance planning of the bridge. The Co-ordination Group has agreed to proceed with the project as quickly as possible, and will soon set up an office in Guangzhou and commission a design institute to conduct feasibility studies.

In parallel, the HKSAR Government will carry out all necessary statutory procedures and feasibility studies for the connecting infrastructure within the territory of Hong Kong.

Ends/Tuesday, October 21, 2003

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