Future vision: Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang speaks at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Co-operation meeting.

Hong Kong and Shenzhen have agreed to form two joint task forces to boost collaboration between the cities' airports and on studies for the planning and development of boundary areas.

Speaking after today's Hong Kong-Shenzhen Co-operation meeting, Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang said the Task Force on Airport Co-operation will formulate plans to maximise synergy between the airports to boost mutual competitiveness.

The Joint Task Force on Boundary District Development will explore the feasibility of developing the Lok Ma Chau Loop and promote further research and planning on other cross-boundary issues.

For the planning study on the Liantang-Heung Yuen Wai control point, Mr Tang said it has entered its final stage, adding Hong Kong's study on the checkpoint and its associated roads will be completed in the first quarter of 2008. The Government will consider the study results carefully and discuss the works in detail.

Hong Kong and Shenzhen also signed seven co-operation pacts after the meeting, covering major infrastructure projects, environmental protection, town planning, the service industry, tourism, innovation, and medical and nursing services.

Mr Tang said in the face of keen competition around the world, Hong Kong and Shenzhen must deepen co-operation. He hopes ties between the two cities will see continuous and tremendous progress.