Hong Kong Secretary for Education Michael Suen said here Wednesday the government will conduct a planning and engineering study and associated site investigation for the proposed development of the Lok Ma Chau Loop in the middle of 2009.

Suen told lawmakers sustainable and feasible planning and development proposals will be formulated. Planning and technical assessments on aspects which are relevant to the proposals will be conducted. It is estimated the study will start in June and take about two years to complete.

"In view of the unique history of the loop, the Hong Kong and Shenzhen governments will jointly develop the site for the mutual benefit of the two cities," he said.

"The preliminary view of the two sides is that, in order to provide impetus for the development of human resources in South China and enhance the competitiveness of the Pearl River Delta, the leading land use in the loop could be higher education, to be complemented by hi-tech research and development facilities and creative industries," he added.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will consult Hong Kong's tertiary education institutions and explore the development proposals for the loop, he said.

Source: Xinhua