Hong Kong and Guangdong Province will forge a closer partnership in the battle against air pollution, a government official said yesterday.

Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works Sarah Liao outlined the government measures to control air pollution and cooperative efforts with the Guangdong authorities to reduce pollutant emissions at a Legislative Council meeting.

"Economic burdens and losses attributable to air pollution are often indirect, long-term and inconspicuous. However, expenditure on air-quality improvement, such as switching to LPG taxis and reducing power plant emissions, is both direct and immediate," she said.

Economic losses caused by respiratory and cardiovascular diseases related to air pollution could amount to HK$1.7 billion each year.

Liao said the improvement of air quality in the Pearl River Delta region is the common aspiration of Guangdong and Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong can share its experience on air-pollution control with authorities on the mainland, and assist in the training of environmental protection staff."

(China Daily December 2, 2004)