CE signing more deals with Guangdong regarding Hengqin

The local government, led by the Chief Executive (CE), Ho Iat Seng, is continuing efforts to promote the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

In a joint meeting Thursday in Hengqin, the CE met once again with the governor of Guangdong province, Wang Weizhong, to sign a series of deals to increase “bilateral ties in several areas,” the Government Information Bureau (GCS) said in a press statement.

In the same statement, GCS also noted the meeting was part of several events held this year with the theme of “Advancing high-quality development of the Cooperation Zone and promoting high-quality cooperation between Guangdong and Macau.”

During the joint conference, both sides said the work done over the past year had been effective, with notable progress seen in every aspect of their cooperation.

Ho noted the first anniversary of the Cooperation Zone, a milestone that, according to the CE, “enabled both sides to explore key projects for next-phase cooperation relevant to the GBA, the Cooperation Zone, and the acceleration of the economic diversification of Macau.”

Ho continued to highlight the need for joint efforts in coordinating epidemic prevention and control work, and the need to implement policies for advancing the development of the Cooperation Zone. 

The CE noted the need to develop GBA together. He said the National Games in 2025, co-organized by Macau, Hong Kong, and Guangdong province, would be “an important opportunity to increase exchanges concerning sports-related cooperation between GBA cities,” adding such exchanges should result in the future organization of “regional sports contests.”

In his address, Wang quoted a speech by president Xi Jinping, delivered at the ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong SAR, and the inauguration of the sixth Hong Kong SAR Government, noting the President’s point that adherence to the ‘One country, two systems’ principle would also create limitless opportunities for Macau’s development. “President Xi’s remarks provided a guiding path and basis for Guangdong-Macau cooperation,” said Wang.

The Guangdong governor selected high-quality manufacturing, traditional Chinese medicine, modern financial services, cultural tourism, convention and exhibition and commercial and trade industries, as areas for development in the Cooperation Zone.

He also noted cooperation should intensify in social welfare, education, healthcare, talent development, food safety, and environmental protection.