Xia inspects new Huanggang port facilities

Senior Beijing official Xia Baolong inspected new Huanggang Port facilities on Wednesday, as he continues his two-day visit in the SAR.

Security chief Chris Tang said Xia was accompanied by Chief Executive John Lee, as well as representatives from both Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Xia listened to briefings on the latest progress of the port’s redevelopment, Tang said.

He added that the Beijing official also learnt of the SAR government’s legislative preparations for implementing the co-location arrangement that allows travellers to complete immigration and customs procedures for both Hong Kong and the mainland at a single checkpoint.

In a Facebook post, the Secretary for Security said the Huanggang port redevelopment was an important project that aligns with the national development strategy.

“Once the port opens, it will serve as the main 24-hour passenger land boundary control point, with a creative mode of ‘collaborative inspection and joint clearance’ to enhance clearance efficiency and improve travellers’ experience,” he wrote.

Tang said the main structure of the new Huanggang Port building was almost complete, and both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen teams were carrying out renovation and facility installations.

He said the standing committee of the National People’s Congress would review a bill on authorising the SAR to manage the Hong Kong side of the port next week.

After obtaining the authorisation, the SAR government would table the relevant bill to the Legislative Council to provide legal basis for the co-location arrangement, Tang said.

Edited by Aaron Tam ...