The Bank of China has been selected as the lead bank to form a consortium to provide a loan for the main body of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, top transport official of Hong Kong said on Tuesday.

Secretary for Transport and Housing of Hong Kong Eva Cheng said on Tuesday Bank of China will provide 22 billion yuan (US$3.23 billion) for the main body of the bridge.

Bank of China will start work in accordance with the requirements of concerned authorities of the three regions, including working out the details of the loan terms and arrangements.

The bank will ensure that in forming the financial consortium, Hong Kong and Macao banks will have the same opportunity as the Chinese mainland in joining the consortium.

Ms. Cheng said the funding issue for the bridge's main body has been fully resolved, adding concerned authorities will work earnestly to start construction this year.

(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2009)