Zhuhai prepares for leading role in B&R Initiative

An implementation plan on overall positioning, development goals, and support for the Belt & Road Initiative was recently issued by the Zhuhai city government. Containing 33 tasks, six actions concern transportation, logistics, economy and trade, innovation, talents, and environment.

According to the plan, by 2021, a communication and cooperation mechanism with countries along the Belt & Road and in Latin America will be well under way. Zhuhai will lead in cooperation with major countries and regions in key areas.

Meanwhile, the Sichuan-Guizhou-Guangdong-South Asia International Logistics Channel will be created. Remarkable progress is called for in opening sea routes to members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Latin America, and in constructing international airports and increasing air flights. A multi-modal transport network integrating sea, railway, highway, river, and air transportation is to take shape. 

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge [Photo by Chen Xinnian / Zhujiang Evening Post]

As it grows into a hub for high-end service and manufacturing, Zhuhai will expand exports of upscale services to countries along the Belt & Road and Latin America.

Moreover, the plan calls for greater influence of the Hengqin China-Latin America International Fair and other trade and economic cooperation efforts. With the Hengqin Free Trade Zone as a gateway for high-level opening up, Zhuhai will become a regional international trade center open to Belt & Road countries and Latin America.

In terms of transportation, Zhuhai will build an international shipping hub and land port with accelerated construction of Zhuhai Airport, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and cross-border checkpoint integrated transport hub.

In addition, a Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao tourist distribution center near the Zhuhai link line of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Hengqin North Interchange is planned.