The Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) concept will be given additional impetus when the chief executives of Hong Kong and Macao meet with leaders of nine provinces at the first meeting of an economic co-operation forum in Hong Kong today.

Proposed less than a year ago by Guangdong provincial Party secretary Zhang Dejiang, the concept aims to further integrate the economies in the PPRD region. Zhang, who arrived in the territory Monday, will deliver a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Co-operation and Development Forum today.

During a visit to Hong Kong's Stock Exchange Monday morning, Zhang emphasized the territory's importance to China's economy. "With regulated economic activities and a sizeable market, Hong Kong would serve as a centre for capital flowing into the Pan-Pearl River Delta," he told reporters.

Zhang urged Hong Kong's business leaders to seize co-operation opportunities to foster further economic development in the region.

He told local media that important details of the Pan-Pearl River Delta concept will be revealed in the forum, while economic summits will be held in the 11 areas of the pan-delta group, with the first meeting scheduled to take place in Guangzhou in July. Zhang also said a decision on the construction of the proposed bridge linking Hong Kong with Macao and Zhuhai is expected in November.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa said co-operation with provinces in the Pan-Pearl River Delta will enhance Hong Kong's existing economic activities and complement its unique advantages.

"With advantages in transport links, financial services and information exchange, Hong Kong can lead the economic integration of the Pan-delta region," he told business leaders and politicians at the welcoming reception for delegates of the forum Monday.

"This co-operative framework will provide the territory's economic development with additional momentum and a new focus," Tung said.

"Under this new arrangement, we are more confident than ever in Hong Kong's future," he added.

Tung Monday accompanied Zhang and official delegates from the nine provinces on a tour of some of Hong Kong's more well known sites, including the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Tsing Ma Bridge.

The forum will discuss ways to strengthen economic ties in the PPRD, and leaders of the pan-delta group are anticipated to reach a joint-agreement on regional co-operation. It will move to Macao tomorrow and closes on Thursday in Guangzhou.

(China Daily HK Edition June 1, 2004)