Huanggang bill passed in border joint-clearance first

The Legislative Council passed a bill on Friday that provides the legal basis for implementing a co-location arrangement at the redeveloped Huanggang port. The Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Bill was introduced to the legislature this week. During the debate at a special Legco meeting, Secretary for Security Chris Tang said the quick passage of the bill would facilitate preparatory work for the redeveloped port – which would become the SAR's first boundary checkpoint to adopt a "collaborative inspection and joint clearance" model – so it could open to the public as soon as possible. Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities are advancing the project at full speed, with joint tests to be carried out, he said. “After the Hong Kong port area is commissioned on July 31, Hong Kong and Shenzhen will jointly conduct tests of various scales across all operational aspects, including those for public transport routes, emergencies and stress,” Tang said. “These will ensure that adjustments for the port’s facilities, all passenger and vehicle clearance procedures as well as various operations are fine-tuned. “The port will only be open to the public when everything is safe, secure and smooth, without any margin for error.” Tang said both Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities attach great importance to the redeveloped port. He added that the SAR government would closely monitor the port’s operation after its opening and adjust transport support based on operational needs. Edited by Edmond Fong