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Wen: HK-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to start construction this year

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-03-13 16:50

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge project has raised enough money and will start construction within the year, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at a press conference after the closing of the Second Session of the 11th National People's Congress on March 13.

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"I want to make it clear that the financing problem of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge project has already been resolved," said Wen, adding that preparations are now being intensively made.

“Hong Kong is one of the cores of international finance. To confront the economic crisis, the key point is maintaining Hong Kong's financial stability and its core position. Consequently, accelerating the mainland's infrastructure projects concerning Hong Kong is needed,” Wen added.

An overall investment for the 120-year design life expectancy bridge is estimated at 72.6 billion yuan (US$10.6 billion).

The bridge will shorten the four-hour drive from Hong Kong to Zhuhai, Guangdong province to half an hour. It will serve as an important channel linking Hong Kong, Macao, Zhuhai and the western part of the Pearl River Delta, one of the most economically-developed areas in the Chinese mainland.