Chief Executive John Lee today met CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee Secretary and Hengqin Working Committee of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee Secretary Chen Yong, welcoming his visit to Hong Kong.

They discussed deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhuhai and the promotion of the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Noting that both places have been working together to promote the development of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), Mr Lee said Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles implemented on July 1 boosts the interconnectivity and economic integration within the bay area and brings about more impetus for the development of the western parts of the Pearl River Delta region.

He added that Hong Kong will continue to work closely with Zhuhai to jointly seize the opportunities brought by the HZMB.

Mr Lee highlighted that the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the Outline Development Plan for the GBA indicate clear support for consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub.

He also said he is grateful that after joint discussions between the Airport Authority Hong Kong and the Zhuhai Municipal Government, the "Fly-Via-Zhuhai-Hong Kong" direct passenger service was launched today and hopes the service can effectively integrate the aviation networks of the two airports in Hong Kong and Zhuhai.

The Chief Executive thanked the Zhuhai Municipal Government for its support to the Labour Importation Scheme for Transport Sector, which includes co-operation in accommodation and transportation to facilitate the same-day return for workers living in Zhuhai to travel to Hong Kong International Airport via the HZMB.

Mr Lee pointed out that Hong Kong and Zhuhai are close partners in such aspects as economy and trade, investment, transportation and aviation, and that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will leverage the unique advantages of the motherland’s strong support and close connection with the world under "one country, two systems" to strengthen co-operation with Zhuhai and the entire GBA.