Hengqin of Zhuhai advances Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao in-depth cooperation

An aerial view of Hengqin Island in Zhuhai, Guangdong province [Photo/hengqin.gov.cn]

According to the outline development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area recently issued by the State Council, Hengqin of Zhuhai in Guangdong province will be advanced as an in-depth cooperation demonstration zone for the region.

Hengqin of Zhuhai will be established as Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao in-depth cooperation demonstration zone. Coordinating Macao's development into a world-class tourism and leisure center, Hengqin of Zhuhai will be built into a high-standard leisure and tourism island. Measures to facilitate visitors commuting between Hengqin and Macao will be taken to allow tourism industry employees to work in Hengqin.

Hengqin will develop through connecting with Zhuhai Bonded Area and Hongwan Area. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Logistics Park will be built on the island.

Construction of key cooperation projects including Hengqin-Macao Youth Entrepreneurship Valley and Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Industrial Park will be fostered. Research on the construction of Guangdong-Macao Information Port will be conducted.

A Guangdong-Macao cooperation industrial park in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) science and technology will be supported. Cooperation with the National Innovation Alliance for the TCM Modern Science and Technology Industry will be strengthened to provide guidance under the rule of law for firms in Hengqin involved in new drug research, development and approval. Regulations are being explored to allow qualified Hong Kong, Macao and overseas medical staff to work in Hengqin.

Lotus Bridge links Henqin in Zhuhai to Macao. [Photo/hengqin.gov.cn]

Livelihood cooperation will be strengthened. Livelihood projects integrating the functions of elderly care, residence, education and medical care are being supported by Zhuhai and Macao. Macao’s medical system and social insurance system will be adaptable to the projects.

Macao's urban planning and engineering supervision mechanisms will be implemented in Hengqin, and participation in the development and management of livelihood projects will involve professionals and firms from Macao.

A medical fund for Macao residents being treated in Hengqin will be launched, and schools for children from Macao will be set up on the island.

Openness and cooperation will be strengthened. Hengqin and Macao will jointly build a China-Latin America economic and trade cooperation platform, create an international trade passage between the Chinese mainland and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI), and promote innovation in service trade models such as cross-border delivery, overseas consumption, movement of natural persons, and commercial presence.

Hengqin will also support Macao's development in the cross-border e-commerce industry, making it easier for more products from Portuguese-speaking countries to enter the Chinese mainland market via Macao.

Hengqin may also be granted the power to issue visas and residence permits to foreigners.

China-Latin America economic and trade park in Hengqin of Zhuhai [Photo/hengqin.gov.cn]