Hong Kong Development Bureau: Cross-border convenience measures will be extended to the entire Bei Pass on a timely basis, implementing the pilot scheme if it proves feasible with reference to specific examples.

The Hong Kong Development Bureau reported to the Legislative Council yesterday (June 23) on the latest progress of the exclusive legislation to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis Area, proposing pilot projects for cross-border flow of personnel, goods, data, and funds, with the hope of starting within this year. Su Huisi, Director of the Northern Metropolis Area Coordination Office of the Development Bureau, said on a program on "HK-Taiwan" this morning (June 24) that the movement of cross-border elements is an important consideration for many businesses. Using the example of goods flow, she mentioned that if Hong Kong can allow mainland China's clinical trial resources, such as biological samples, to flow to the Heita region, it can attract enterprises engaged in top pharmaceutical research to settle in Heita. The authorities are currently discussing arrangements with mainland China, aiming to launch a small-scale pilot plan this year. Once the pilot is completed and the model is found feasible or improved, it can be implemented through subsidiary legislation. Su Huisi stated that the original intention of the legislation was to establish a broader primary legislation, followed by subsidiary legislation designating specific locations to allow for cross-border movement between the Northern Metropolis and other areas. Currently, the focus is on implementing it in the Heita area, but it is not ruled out that in the future, it could be applied in other areas beyond Heita if needed, using subsidiary legislation. Lin Xiaolu, Chairman of the Development Affairs Committee of the Legislative Council, expressed during the same program that he has always hoped for Heita to be the pilot for cross-border movement. He cited the example of the Sandling Data Park, stating that if data flow cannot be interconnected, there is a risk of resources being underutilized. He believes that the government is listening to public opinions, acknowledging the urgency, and there are voices in society suggesting to expand to Xintian and other industrial parks, but the key is to take the first step, as it is not only Hong Kong that needs to legislate but also involves central laws and regulations.