Guangdong, HK, and Macao sign pact for enhanced emergency response

It will establish a government-led mechanism for handling regional emergencies.

The governments of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR have signed a framework agreement to boost cooperation in emergency management and response.

The agreement aims to establish a government-led mechanism focusing on professional rescue forces and coordinated actions to better handle accidents, disasters, and other emergencies affecting the region.

A new Greater Bay Area Emergency Response Operational Plan is also being developed. This plan will include mechanisms for technical and knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and emergency coordination, aimed at enhancing overall emergency management across the region. 

Additionally, it will ensure efficient utilisation and rational distribution of emergency resources, thereby improving the efficacy of cross-boundary rescue efforts.

Moreover, a task force on Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau emergency management cooperation will be formed, with the first meeting scheduled this year to chart future developments. This forum will assess past cooperation experiences and strategise future developments in emergency preparedness and response.

The signing ceremony was attended by Vice Minister Xu Jia'ai from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Xiang Bin from the State Council's Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office. Key officials including Guangdong Executive Vice-Governor Zhang Hu, Hong Kong Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, and Macau Secretary for Security Wong Sio-chak were also present as the agreement was signed by respective officials, including Wang Zaihua (Guangdong), Tang Ping-keung (Hong Kong), and Leong Man-cheong (Macau).