Hong Kong to fast-track border crossing upgrades as Legco gears to approve bill

Hong Kong authorities have pledged to fast-track renovation, equipment installation and testing at an upgraded border checkpoint as the legislature prepares to approve the Huanggang Port bill this week, pending an opening date.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Bill, which provides the legal basis for implementing a co-location arrangement at the border crossing, must be approved by July 31 to allow the city to exercise jurisdiction once the Hong Kong port area is commissioned that day.

“Once we have ensured that everything is ready and the public can use the border facilities safely and smoothly, we will proceed with the formal opening,” Tang said after the first reading of the bill.

“As for the timing, we will continue to review it with Shenzhen, and we hope to open the rebuilt Huanggang Port for Hong Kong and mainland residents as soon as possible.”

Tang added that preparatory work would follow passage of the bill, including installation and testing of border control systems and facility stress tests.

The Legislative Council’s House Committee is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Thursday to consider the bill and decide whether to form a bill committee for detailed scrutiny. The bill will then be tabled for second and third readings.