With the new control point opening, Hong Kong will be able to tap more opportunities in the enormous markets of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

In the past, cargo vehicles headed for eastern Guangdong province had to pass through busy districts before crossing the boundary.

"The new crossing can ease the traffic at land-based ports...and improve the clearance and services of Hong Kong ports in general," said Lu Pei-yu, senior engineer of the Civil Engineering and Development Department of the HKSAR government.

Chan Dik-sau, chairman of the Container Transportation Employees General Union, said the transport sector welcomes the operation of the new port. While the clearance for trucks requires complicated procedures and costs more time due to the epidemic, the new checkpoint put into use will help mitigate the situation, he said.