The Hong Kong Port Area at the redeveloped Huanggang Checkpoint began operations at 12:01 a.m. Friday, following a co-location agreement signed Thursday between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. While the area is currently restricted to Hong Kong officials performing statutory duties and remains closed to the public, it marks a significant step toward the official opening of the checkpoint. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the two cities are fast-tracking equipment installation and testing to open the checkpoint to travelers as soon as possible. Under the co-location arrangement, both Hong Kong and mainland immigration and customs clearance will take place in a single building on the Shenzhen side