Hong Kong and neighboring Guangdong province and Macao jointly announced the publication of the first Regional Cooperation Plan on Building a Quality Living Area on Monday, the Hong Kong city government said in a statement.

Undersecretary for the Environment of the Hong Kong city government Kitty Poon said it was the first regional plan jointly compiled by Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao, with a view to enhancing its overall competitiveness and attractiveness.

The plan covers long-term cooperation in five major areas -- the environment and ecology, low-carbon development, culture and social living, spatial planning, and green transportation systems. The plan recommends strengthening regional cooperation on air emission reduction control.

All sides will also enhance the regional air quality monitoring network, and explore opportunities in reducing emissions from vessels in Greater Pearl River Delta waters, including looking into possibilities to promote the use of cleaner energy by vessels berthing at ports.

The plan also recommends the three sides to jointly promote low-carbon development and take forward regional cooperation in combating climate change, according to the statement.