Visit flags closer infrastructure links for mainland, SAR

Today's high-profile visit of a senior official from the State Development Planning Commission is a significant shift in government efforts to co-ordinate south China's infrastructure development, according to industry experts and academics.

A 30-member delegation led by commission vice-chairman Zhang Guobao today gets a first-hand view of trade and tourism facilities to assess how they can be co-ordinated with mainland ambitions.

It is a departure from traditional cross-border strategies in which Beijing has been content to watch as regional authorities develop infrastructure.

Mr Zhang is making the hastily arranged visit at the request of Chief Secretary Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, opening the door for Beijing to use its influence on Hong Kong's business development - something it has traditionally been hesitant to do.

'It is a very important visit, as the speed with which it was arranged would indicate,' said Peter Cheung, associate professor of politics and public administration at the University of Hong Kong.

'Beijing has obviously always had a vested interest in helping Hong Kong but it can't be seen to be too proactive unless it is asked for help.'

As for Beijing's willingness to get involved, a government official said: 'Mr Zhang's swift response to the invitation speaks for itself. The involvement of the commission is not new.