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

Hengqin of Zhuhai

An aerial view of Hengqin Island [Photo/VCG]

Hengqin was approved as a national new district by the State Council in December 2009. It has become an important part of the Greater Bay Area and China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone, as well as a key node of the Belt and Road.

Hengqin Island in Zhuhai, Guangdong province covers a land area of 106.46 square kilometers. It is located next to Macao across a narrow river and is 34 nautical miles away from Hong Kong. It boasts a developed transportation system, and the newly-built Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge closely connects Hengqin with Hong Kong and Macao. In addition, Hengqin Port operates 24 hours a day.

Hengqin enjoys more preferential policies than special economic zones upon the approval by the State Council in July 2011. The policies involve areas such as legislation, custom clearance, tax, and finance.

Major industries developed in Hengqin include tourism, finance, education, and high-end technology. In 2018, Hengqin achieved a regional GDP of 24.4 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 12.9 percent, ranking first among all the districts in Zhuhai for the ninth consecutive year.