Rapid rail to boost HK growth

Closer connection will augment prosperity, national integration

The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link will promote the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's long-term prosperity and its integration into national development by enhancing people-to-people, economic and trade contacts with the Chinese mainland, according to the head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office.

Zhang Xiaoming, director of the office, made the comment just days before the Hong Kong section of the cross-boundary high-speed railway, also known as XRL, is to officially open, on Sunday.