Hong Kong and Guangdong yesterday launched top-level links to boost joint economic co-operation, cultural exchanges and communication.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Guangdong Governor Lu Ruihua said promoting economic co-operation between the two areas was an effective way to deal with the financial turmoil.
The Hong Kong Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference (CJC) decided to hold discussions twice a year in Hong Kong and Guangzhou alternately.
Stepping up co-operation was meaningful in the sense that there was an urgent need for the two places to defend themselves against attacks resulting from regional financial turmoil, Mr Lu said.
The CJC's duties were to keep the two places informed of each other's development and to co-ordinate their policies.
Mr Lu said emphasis should be placed on three areas: Trade and economic co-operation including infrastructure and information industry; Exchanges in the areas of education, technology and professionals; Checkpoint establishment and management including a smooth flow of passengers, vehicles and freight.