They will include stress tests jointly carried out with Shenzhen that involve at least 10,000 people.
Speaking after inspecting the port with lawmakers on Saturday, Tang said renovation works, as well as the installation and adjustment of facilities, are still being carried out.
The drills will include testing the port’s traffic volume, anti-terrorism capability and mechanical issues, he said.
“We have at least 100 different types of exercises before we consider the opening of the port area,” he said.
“We will have a few large-scale cross-boundary joint exercises with the Shenzhen side, involving at least over 10,000 participants.
“When we consider that the operation is smooth [and] safe, then we will, jointly with the Shenzhen side, consider when to open. It is both our wish that it will be opened as soon as possible.”
Tang said civil servants will take part in the stress tests, as they did in the run-up to the opening of Kai Tak Stadium.
Extra manpower will be recruited to help travellers in the initial stages of the port’s opening, he said.
Legislative Council president Starry Lee said people are looking forward to the opening.
Edited by Azam Khan
She appealed to government departments to carry out the tests as soon as possible and prepare contingency plans in case of emergencies.
Lee also called for public transport arrangements at the border checkpoint to be announced soon.
Hong Kong Port Area was established as being subject to the SAR’s jurisdiction on Friday.
