The Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis (NM) Development Strategy held its eighth meeting in Hong Kong today.

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong and Shenzhen Vice Mayor Tao Yongxin led delegations of the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Shenzhen respectively.

The Hong Kong SAR Government presented the latest progress of the development of the Northern Metropolis at today’s meeting.

The progress updates include the setting up of Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company Limited, the tendering for the pilot large-scale land disposal sites of about 11 hectares within the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, and the ongoing work to formulate dedicated legislation for the NM.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also briefly introduced the findings of a planning study on the development of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen modern logistics cluster.

The Shenzhen Government presented its development plans for collaborating with the NM.

Both sides also exchanged views on cross-boundary railway projects and the planning and development of boundary control points, as well as work relating to the 15th Five-Year Plan.

After the meeting, both delegations visited the exhibition gallery at the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area Community Liaison Centre, followed by a site visit in Hung Shui Kiu to gain a better understanding of the overall planning of the new development area, and the works progress of the NM University Town sites.

Mr Wong said the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in accelerating the development of the NM. The Hong Kong SAR Government is pressing ahead with the formulation of Hong Kong's first five-year plan, in which the NM will be a key chapter.

“Through the five-year plan, we aim to further promote industrial collaboration, enhance infrastructure connectivity and drive institutional innovation, thereby injecting new impetus into Hong Kong-Shenzhen co-operation and positioning the NM to become an important engine for high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.”

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan also attended today’s meeting.