The latest development plans in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the southern city of Shenzhen will generate a flood of job opportunities and energize the construction sector in the HKSAR over the next decade, industry experts said on Monday. 

In early October, the HKSAR proposed building a "Northern Metropolis" in its Yuen Long and North districts, while Shenzhen has announced the expansion of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone. 

The plans and continuous policy support will ensure opportunities for both construction professionals and workers over the next decade, said Aaron Bok Kwok-ming, vice president of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, quoted by China Daily. 

The new metropolis accounts for over one quarter of HKSAR's land area and is expected to accommodate a third of the city's current population, which will involve a multitude of new infrastructure projects, such as transportation links as well as residential and commercial buildings. 

"Its construction will create huge opportunities for engineers, architects, surveyors and construction-related professionals in areas such as technical, management and environmental monitoring," said Bok.

Meanwhile, construction professionals from the HKSAR are allowed to provide services in HKSAR-invested projects in Qianhai, after obtaining equivalent qualifications.

Witman Hung Wai-man, principal liaison officer for the HKSAR at the Shenzhen Qianhai Authority, said the Qianhai plan will provide a new round of development opportunities for the region's construction sector. 

Patrick Choi Cheong-wa, an interior designer from HKSAR who founded an architectural design company in Foshan, Guangdong Province, said more architects and designers from the HKSAR were participating in projects in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. 

Lo Waikwok, former chairman of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, said he hopes more communication mechanisms will be set up between the HKSAR and other Pearl River Delta cities for construction business partnerships. 

A six-day exhibition, featuring China's major infrastructure projects, opened in the HKSAR on Monday, with attendance of well-known architectural experts from the region and the mainland. 

Infrastructure projects such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, HKSAR's Chek Lap Kok International Airport, renowned skyscrapers and other world-class buildings, have been showcased via historical photos, construction models and multimedia content.  

(With input from agencies)