An inside look of redeveloped Huangang Port

Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities sign the Co-operation Arrangement on the implementation of co-location arrangement at the redeveloped Huanggang Port. The Hong Kong Port Area will be put into service Friday, with the port's official opening date to be announced at a later time.

For the first time, the redeveloped Huanggang Port opens to Hong Kong media. Among the areas made available during the press tour is the floor designed for screening Hong Kong-bound visitors.

Adopting a collaborative inspection and joint clearance, these e-Channels mark the boundary of Hong Kong and Shenzhen: travellers will arrive in the Hong Kong Port Area by passing through the automated gates. This basement level, meanwhile, links to public transport stands catering to non-boundary crossing Shenzhen travellers taking taxis and buses. The port connects to The Shenzhen Metro via this floor as well.

Once in operation, the renovated port will provide 24/7 service for passengers. A Shenzhen Municipal Government Port Office's representative says authorities still need to test much of the equipment inside the building, including lifts and fire service installation, to ensure they work properly for the port's around-the-clock operation.

Separately, the signing ceremony for the port's arrangement between Hong Kong and Shenzhen is held at the Central Government Offices. Secretary for Security Chris Tang and Shenzhen's Vice Mayor Luo Huanghao sign the Co-operation Arrangement.

An additional Right-to-Use Agreement is signed by Deputy Secretary for Security Joceline Chui and Director of the Shenzhen Municipal Government Port Office Liu Weixiang. Under the Right-to-Use Agreement, the Hong Kong government will pay the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government a nominal rent of 1,000 yuan each year -- a lease that will take effect Friday and expire June 30, 2047.

Tang says the Hong Kong government will continue to work closely with the Shenzhen counterparts in preparing for the port's opening, including system testing and operational and emergency drills.