Hong Kong is considering building an exhibition complex on its border with China to allow Chinese businessmen to meet with foreign investors, a report said yesterday.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council has been asked to conduct a feasibility study on the proposed exhibition and convention complex in a designated 96-hectare "special zone" on the border with Shenzhen, the Chinese-language Sing Tao daily said.
The center, which would be between the Lok Ma Chau and Huanggang checkpoints, would provide foreign investors with an opportunity to meet Chinese businessmen.
The Chinese businessmen would enter the complex on Hong Kong-issued special permits which would not give them access to the territory, the paper said, citing unidentified sources.
Businesses from all the Chinese provinces will be allowed to set up permanent offices at the complex, which will feature exhibition halls, offices, hotels, retail and entertainment facilities, it said.
Separately, the Beijing-backed Wen Wei Po said in a report that Shenzhen authorities were considering building four satellite towns to link up with Hong Kong to help boost economic integration between the two areas.
Shenzhen Mayor Yu Yojun was cited by the paper as saying that Hong Kong's resources and its functions would play an important part in Shenzhen's town planning.
He added that a sound co-ordination mechanism must be established for Shenzhen and Hong Kong, as well as the rest of the Pearl River Delta, to avoid wasting resources by competing with each other.
Hong Kong's Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa (
The government is reportedly pushing the greater Pearl River Delta concept and suggesting the establishment of a regional economic system similar to that of the EU.
The scheme involves Hong Kong and Guangdong's governments first boosting interaction between their residents and then introducing a tax-free trading system to promote the flow of people, goods, capital and information between the two places.
The move is widely expected following the recent announcement of 24-hour border crossings.
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