XN000022-1996-04-03 — Page 66

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(a)

(b)

Answer:

Mr President,

what progress has been made in the formal consultation channels between the Guangdong and Hong Kong authorities (such as the Infrastructure Coordinating Committee) on the Tuen Mun-Zhuhai Bridge and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Bridge projects; and

what positive measures the Government will adopt to strengthen the communication between the Guangdong and Hong Kong authorities on the question of co-ordination of infrastructural developments?

Major cross-border infrastructure proposals, including the Lingdingyang Bridge and the Shenzhen Western Corridor which would link Hong Kong with Zhuhai and Shenzhen respectively, are being discussed in the Infrastructure Co-ordinating Committee (ICC). The ICC is a forum for exchange of views and information and for seeking to reach a common view on co-ordination and interface in respect of such major projects.

In respect of the Lingdingyang Bridge and the Shenzhen Western Corridor good progress had been made in the ICC. The two sides have visited the relevant sites in Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong and have had useful exchanges of views and information. The two sides have agreed that in view of the economic development of Hong Kong, Guangdong and the whole of China and from the perspective of long term development, there is a need to develop additional cross-border transport capacity. The two sides have further agreed that Hong Kong should conduct a study on the two proposals' impact on Hong Kong's environment, transport infrastructure and land use planning. The study will be completed in the middle of this year. The findings of the study will hopefully provide the necessary information for us to assess in detail the viability and feasibility of implementing these proposals.

The establishment of the ICC in December 1994 is a major and significant measure taken by both sides to strengthen communication between Hong Kong and China in respect of co-ordination in cross-border infrastructure development. Both sides have taken this valuable opportunity to establish good working relationships with each other. Channels of communication and foundations for co-operation and co- ordination have now been well established. We will continue to support the ICC and work closely with the Chinese side in a positive manner.

End