2
4.
At the 27th CRC meeting held on 11.1.92, it was agreed that inter-alia "we were looking for maximum cross-border cooperation and coordination but not joint planning.
This would
in
not preclude the possibility of, say, a joint venture transport infrastructure across the border on a one-off basis. We should, however, not be drawn into agreeing to establishing any permanent framework but should continue to rely on existing channels of communication". Visits in both directions were also considered to be a good means of exchanging information.
5.
In October 1992, the Hon Steven Poon raised a similar issue and his letter and the Governor's reply are at Annex B.
Discussion
6.
Planning Department has pointed out that in such exercises as the preparation of the Territorial Development Strategy and the subregional development strategies as well as the planning of major infrastructure facilities, consideration must be given to the effects of one side's proposals on the other side. At the moment, there are no regular contacts, formal or informal, between Planning Department and its counterparts in PRC, and it has to rely on indirect sources and irregular informal opportunities like conferences and consultancy studies. It considers such channels inadequate.
7.
It
However, there is little indication that sufficient coordination exists within southern China on infrastructural development to enable any one voice to speak with authority. is therefore difficult to see how a single liaison body on ordination could be established in practice.
8.
In anticipation of similar suggestions in
in future, Members are invited to review existing arrangements and consider a line to take on the subject.
Planning, Environment and Lands Branch
May 1993