The Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection held its eighth meeting in Guangzhou on December 10.

The two sides reportedly considered and reviewed the implementation of environmental co-operation initiatives and further agreed on the work plan for 2008. The meeting noted that good progress had been made on various areas of cooperation. Both sides have been endeavouring to implement the Pearl River Delta Regional Air Quality Management Plan over the past year. Reports on the results of the Air Quality Monitoring Network, which was jointly established by both sides to better inform the public about the regional air quality, for year 2006 and for the first six months of 2007 were released in April 2007 and October 2007, respectively.

The meeting also considered the progress of the mid-term review of the Pearl River Delta Regional Air Quality Management Plan. Both sides said they were confident of meeting the 2010 emission reduction targets. The findings of the mid-term review will be announced upon the completion of the study report.

On promotion of energy efficiency and cleaner production to industrial enterprises in both places, the two governments signed in August 2007 the Cooperation Agreement to Promote Energy Efficiency, Cleaner Production and Comprehensive Utilisation of Resources to Enterprises in Hong Kong and Guangdong. The two sides jointly conducted a series of promotion activities, technical exchanges and demonstration projects at industrial enterprises. Achievements have been made with regard to promoting energy savings, more efficient utilisation of resources and reducing pollution amongst enterprises in the region.

Shenzhen and Hong Kong experts have also conducted the first review of the Deep Bay (Shenzhen Bay) Water Pollution Control Joint Implementation Programme. In general, satisfactory progress has been achieved in implementing the pollution control measures. There is, however, a need for further improvement of the water quality in Shenzhen Bay. With the progressive extension and improvement of the sewage infrastructure and completion of sewerage works, it is expected that the pollution levels in Shenzhen Bay will gradually reduce leading to improvement in water quality.

On the protection of the water quality of Dongjiang, the Guangdong Province has implemented various pollution control measures, and agreed to maintain a close liaison with Hong Kong with a view to safeguarding the quality of water supply.