The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, visited Guangzhou today (February 20) and met with local government officials to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.

     Upon arrival, Ms Chan met with the Director of the Department of Transport of Guangdong Province, Mr Lin Feiming, and Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department Mr Guo Xiangyang respectively, as well as representatives from the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee and the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission. They exchanged views on various matters, including the operation of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and promoting and driving the flow of people and goods between Hong Kong and Guangdong. She also visited local transportation facilities to learn about their operations.

     Ms Chan said, "Hong Kong has always been maintaining close ties with Guangdong Province, and strives to pursue innovation in cross-boundary transport policies and promote the development of a 'one-hour living circle' in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) launched by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in July 2023 has been well received by its citizens. As at mid-February this year, around 80 000 Hong Kong private cars have obtained valid permits for travelling to Guangdong, which means one in every six eligible private cars has joined the scheme."

     Ms Chan expressed her gratitude for the ongoing and strong support from various units of Guangdong Province to the continuous enhancements of the scheme, providing citizens with a better and more convenient travel experience. The HKSAR Government will continue to explore with different units of the Mainland the implementation arrangements for allowing Guangdong private cars to travel to Hong Kong. The details are expected to be announced in due course.

     Ms Chan concluded her duty visit and returned to Hong Kong tonight.

Ends/Thursday, February 20, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:35

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