The 2,800-hectare 'frontier closed area' along the border with Shenzhen is to be studied for development amid growing pressure for further economic integration with the mainland.
The study was one of several key issues in a consultation paper released yesterday that sets out planning options for the next 30 years.
The research into border area development comes after Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa floated the idea of a free-trade zone between Hong Kong and the mainland last month.
In the 'Hong Kong 2030: Planning Vision and Strategy' consultation paper, the Government says it has to consider the overall benefit of opening up the border area for development, and whether it is the only means of enhancing co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
Deputy Director of Planning Ava Ng Tse Suk-ying said officials would study the development potential of each piece of land in the closed area, including 90 hectares of new land south of the Shenzhen River made available by rerouting the river.
Ms Ng said some members of the public had already suggested developing the area and further public views would be sought on its possible use.
But she emphasised the difficulties in developing the area, including infrastructure problems and the resettlement of villagers.