Legco 'to fast-track Huanggang port legislation’

Legislative Council president Starry Lee said on Wednesday lawmakers would speed up their review of local legislation covering the new Huanggang Port and complete the process with high efficiency. Her remarks came after the National People's Congress Standing Committee passed a bill that authorises Hong Kong to exercise jurisdiction over its side of the redeveloped port. Lee, who's also the SAR’s sole delegate to NPC Standing Committee, said there would be a few more steps before the redeveloped port, which comes with a co-location arrangement for mainland and Hong Kong immigration services, goes into operation. “There should be at least four steps before the port officially commences services, including a relevant decision to be made by the State Council, local legislation, a trial run and, finally, an announcement of the official opening date,” she said. “Regarding local legislation, I understand that the SAR government attaches great importance to the issue and will table the relevant bill to Legco as soon as possible. “There is also a consensus in the legislature as people are looking forward to the Huanggang Port opening.” Lee also said the new Huanggang Port would shorten clearance time to around five minutes, facilitating Hong Kong’s integration into national development. Edited by Edmond Fong