China to build bridge to connect Mainland and its SARs

China is going to revive the construction of an 18-mile bridge linking Hong Kong, Macao and the mainland. The proposal of construction was put forward five years before. China yesterday approved the project and unveiled its plan to attract private partners in constructing the bridge, source reported.

According to the government, the bridge, which connects Lantau Island of Hong Kong, Macao with the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, will cost a total of GBP2.95 billion. The project will be half financed by private partners. Private companies involved in the project will be refunded partly through tolls.

The project was part of a grand project undertaken by the central government to develop the country into an Asian giant and was first put forward in 2003. The project was halted due to the lack of capital.

China is now actively constructing its infrastructures in a bid to attract more investors. Its biggest rival in Asia, India, is now developing very quickly as well.