Hong Kong’s John Lee expected to announce ‘work on major rail, road projects’ to revive economy, boost jobs
- Planning and design for cross-border rail link to Qianhai will be brought forward, source says
- Construction industry insiders welcome major projects, but warn of acute manpower shortage
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu is expected to announce major infrastructure projects in his coming policy address, aimed at reviving the city’s battered economy and creating tens of thousands of jobs, the Post has learned.
Sources said he would highlight six projects – three rail links and three highways.
They include bringing forward detailed planning and route design for the Hong Kong-Shenzhen West Rail Link connecting Hung Shui Kiu and Qianhai, the economic zone in Shenzhen.
Beijing has ambitions for Qianhai to become a world-class business centre by 2035, with plans to expand the economic zone from 14.9 sq km (3,706 acres) to 120.6 sq km.
Mainland Chinese officials have said the plan offered Hong Kong prospects to grow its economy and create new opportunities for young people.
An insider told the Post the cross-border rail project would be a joint venture between the Hong Kong and Shenzhen governments, with each bearing the cost of building on their side.
