Measures to promote transport development in Greater Bay Area

Chinese authorities on Feb 18 unveiled the outline development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, aiming to develop the region into "a role model of high-quality development".

Measures concerning the building of a modern comprehensive transport system in the Greater Bay Area were also put forward in the plan to provide solid support for the area's socio-economic development.

1. To enhance the international competitiveness of ports in the Pearl River Delta region. Measures will be taken to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's position as an international shipping center. The plan supports Hong Kong in developing the high-end shipping service industries of ship management and leasing, ship financing, maritime insurance, maritime law and dispute resolution, and providing these services for enterprises on the Chinese mainland and Macao.

Efforts will be made to enhance the comprehensive service capabilities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen's international shipping sectors, and form a complementary and mutually beneficial system of ports, logistics and supporting services with Hong Kong to reinforce the overall international competitiveness of ports in the Greater Bay Area.

By focusing on the major coastal ports, the plan will improve the cargo and passenger distribution networks of inland waterways, railways and highways.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is formally opened on Oct 24, 2018. It links the three different customs areas of Hong Kong, Macao and Zhuhai in Guangdong province, and connects the east and west sides of the Pearl River estuary. [Photo/IC]