Hong Kong to fast-track border crossing upgrades as Legco gears to approve bill

Hong Kong authorities have pledged to fast-track renovation, equipment installation and testing at an upgraded border checkpoint as the legislature prepares to approve the Huanggang Port bill this week, pending an opening date.Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Bill, which provides the legal basis for implementing a co-location arrangement at the border crossing, must be approved by July 31 to allow the city to exercise jurisdiction once the Hong Kong port area is commissioned that day.“Once we have ensured that everything is ready and the public can use the border facilities safely and smoothly, we will proceed with the formal opening,” Tang said after the first reading of the bill.