The Hong Kong government has appointed veteran politician Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung to chair the board of directors of the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company – the first entity established to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis project.

The Development Bureau said on Friday that the board of directors comprises five bureau chiefs and five non-official members, tasked with formulating a “forward-looking development positioning and strategy” for the 23-hectare logistics park, the first pilot land parcel of the megaproject near the Shenzhen border.

Lam, a member of the Executive Council that advises Hong Kong’s leader John Lee Ka-chiu, serves as chairman of the Vocational Training Council, a member of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and a council member of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said Lam, as a veteran industrialist, had “extensive experience” in public service and administrative management, as well as an “extensive network” in the industrial and commercial sectors.

“He will certainly be able to effectively lead the company in attracting high-value-added manufacturers to establish a foothold in Hung Shui Kiu, and bringing in technology, employment opportunities and economic output,” she said.

The five non-official directors are Wingco Lo Kam-wing, president of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong; Sunny Tan, chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council and Wai Chi-sing, former CEO of the Hong Kong Urban Renewal Authority.

The other two are Albert Wong Hak-keung, CEO of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and Kenneth Wong Kin-wah, co-chairman of ACCA Hong Kong.

The appointment was approved by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. Their three-year term takes effect on June 1.