14 | Constitution and Administration
As the province closest to Hong Kong, Guangdong has the most extensive ties with the HKSAR. Since 1982, the Cross-boundary Liaison System has provided an effective mechanism for Hong Kong and Guangdong to discuss and resolve practical issues of mutual concern, including the fight against cross-boundary crime and the regulation of the Shenzhen River.
The Hong Kong/Guangdong Cooperation Joint Conference set up in 1998, provides a high-level forum to study and coordinate major initiatives of mutual interests, with the aim of facilitating cooperation and exchanges of both sides. On August 2, 2007, the 10th plenary meeting of the joint conference was held under the co-chairmanship of the Chief Executive of the HKSAR and the Governor of Guangdong.
The two sides reviewed the progress of cooperation over the past year and discussed the future direction of their cooperation at the meeting. Both sides agreed that concrete results have been attained in different areas including major cross-boundary infrastructural projects and boundary control points, air quality improvement, food safety, economic and trade, tourism, innovation and technology, as well as social welfare.
In addition, the Hong Kong/Guangdong Strategic Development Research Group, set up by the Hong Kong side, continues to conduct research into subjects which have a significant bearing on Hong Kong/Guangdong cooperation, while the Greater Pearl River Delta Business Council provides a forum for Hong Kong enterprises, and trade and business associations to discuss ideas for enhancing economic cooperation between the two places.
The Government has all along attached importance to cooperation with Shenzhen. In accordance with the principle of the 'one country, two systems' and under the guidance of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Cooperation Joint Conference, the Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government have agreed to establish a closer partnership to take forward initiatives conducive to mutual development, for example, the collaboration between the Hong Kong and Shenzhen airports and the development of the Lok Ma Chau Loop. The Hong Kong/Shenzhen cooperation meeting was held in December 2007 with the aim of developing new competitive edges and deepening the level of cooperation. Both sides have pledged to maintain. closer ties between the two governments so as to achieve maximum synergies.
Since the commencement of the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) regional cooperation scheme in June 2004, the Government has been promoting development and cooperation in the region through building on the strengths of Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government organised the Seminar on Facilitation of Industrial Upgrading, Restructuring and Relocation of Hong Kong Enterprises in the PPRD Region in November 2007 to provide an opportunity for Mainland and PPRD officials to exchange information and views with Hong Kong enterprises on the Mainland's policies on industrial upgrading, restructuring and relocation. A dedicated website on the subject was also established.