Chief Executive CY Leung expects closer social and economic ties between Hong Kong and Chaozhou, in Shantou district, since the Xiamen-Shenzhen Railway entered operation in December.

Speaking to reporters today, Mr Leung said the express line cuts travel time from Hong Kong to Xiamen and the cities along the railway, so ties between Hong Kong and these cities will grow closer and it will open up many opportunities for co-operation.

He will visit Shenzhen, Shantou, Jieyang and Chaozhou today and tomorrow, to visit Hong Kong enterprises in those cities, and meet Hong Kong people who work, do business and study there.