The first cargo trial run for the centralised cargo transfer points for non-fresh food items and other goods was successfully conducted this afternoon, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said.

The transfer arrangement, set up by the Hong Kong SAR Government with the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, is a temporary measure in response to Hong Kong’s latest COVID-19 epidemic situation.

Under the arrangement, Mainland drivers will directly deliver goods to the designated cargo transfer yards in Hong Kong and transfer the goods to local drivers to reduce virus transmission risk in both the Mainland and Hong Kong and to ensure smooth cross-boundary land transport.

During today's trial run, four containers loaded with anti-epidemic supplies were duly delivered to the temporary cargo transfer yards at the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals (KTCTs) and the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal. Secretary for Transport & Housing Frank Chan and Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Deputy Director Yin Zonghua were at the KTCTs Container Terminal 9 for an inspection.

To fine-tune the detailed arrangements, the governments of both sides plan to continue to carry out the cargo trial runs until the end of this month.

Mr Chan and Mr Yin also visited the transfer yard at Kam Pok Road, San Tin in Yuen Long earlier today to learn about its construction works. The works and other facility arrangements are progressing well, with a view to launching a trial operation by the end of this month.

In thanking the central government, the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, the Hong Kong SAR Government recognised their staunch support in exploring and implementing various measures to ensure a stable goods supply from the Mainland to Hong Kong, adding that it will closely monitor the situation and co-operate with the Mainland authorities to maintain the supply.