The convenience and economic benefits the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link can bring will be greatly enhanced if the co-location of customs, immigration and quarantine facilities in Hong Kong can be achieved, Secretary for Transport & Housing Prof Anthony Cheung says.
Speaking to reporters after a radio programme today, Prof Cheung said the co-location of boundary control arrangements at the Express Rail's West Kowloon terminus will provide maximum clearance convenience to travellers, while the terminus would become a hub station for the national high-speed rail network.
He reiterated that the Government will ensure the arrangement fully complies with the Basic Law and the "one country, two systems" principle.
Prof Cheung noted that the SAR Government was confident in coming up with an arrangement, but has not had the chance to put forward a proposal yet as some details still needed to be ironed out.
He said the Government will present its proposal in full detail to the community for discussion and for legislative approval, once it is ready.
Prof Cheung again urged lawmakers to approve additional funding for the rail link as there would be serious consequences for the city if the project had to be suspended, as contracts would be terminated and at least 5,800 workers would be affected.
