Editorial | New checkpoint yet another route into Greater Bay Area
- Facility marks latest milestone in push for economic powerhouse and finally opens up eastern Guangdong following rail and road links to the southwest
The scene of Hong Kong and mainland officials standing side by side officiating at the opening of a long-awaited cross-border checkpoint is perhaps not particularly exciting for news readers.
But it is more than just a positive change of pace from the Covid-19 epidemic and intensifying political disputes in the city and beyond. Coming on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen special economic zone, the new crossing marks another milestone in China’s Greater Bay Area development.
The Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point connects with Liantang Port in Shenzhen to provide the seventh land crossing with the mainland. It is not just another gateway to the neighbouring city, but also the eastern part of Guangdong province.
Designed with a daily capacity of 17,850 vehicle and 30,000 passenger trips, it is the third new cross-border transport link in recent years, following the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. As with other major infrastructure projects, the HK$33.7 billion facility was also fraught with problems, leading to an 18-month delay.
Against the backdrop of the Covid-19 outbreak and high cross-border political tension, it is probably not a good time for inauguration ceremonies. While the contagion has forced the authorities to close most checkpoints, limited travel and freight operations between the two places continue.