Road and rail links foster Hong Kong’s position in the Greater Bay Area

The second half of 2018 saw the opening of two major infrastructure projects bringing high connectivity and new economic, social and livelihood opportunities to Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The 55-km Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the longest bridge-cum-tunnel sea crossing in the world and a marvel of engineering art, was officially opened on October 23. The opening ceremony at Zhuhai Port was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Mrs Carrie Lam.

Operating 24 hours a day, it puts major cities in the Pearl River Delta within a three hours’ commute from Hong Kong and reduces travelling time from Hong Kong Port to Zhuhai Port and Macao Port to only 40 minutes.

On September 23, the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) commenced operation, seamlessly connecting Hong Kong to the ever-expanding national high-speed rail network and offering a speedy, convenient and comfortable transport alternative for passengers travelling among Hong Kong and major cities in the Mainland.

The Express Rail also fosters commercial and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Mainland cities, enhances Hong Kong’s status as a transport hub and brings forward long-term development opportunities for promoting sustainable growth in trades including tourism, commerce and professional services.