China issues plan for building Guangdong-Macau cooperation zone in Hengqin

China’s central authorities have issued a general plan for building a Guangdong-Macau in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin.
The plan, issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, was made public yesterday.
It said building the zone is a major arrangement to enrich the practice of “One country, two systems,” and will be a significant driving force for the SAR’s long-term development.
The total area of the cooperation zone will be about 106 square km, according to the plan.
The plan defines the strategic position of the zone as a new platform to boost Macau’s appropriate economic diversification, a new space that provides convenience to Macau residents’ life and employment, a new model to enrich the practice of “One country, two systems,” as well as a new high ground for building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.
The plan sets the goal for the zone to fully demonstrate the strong vitality and strength of “One country, two systems” by 2035, when the goal of Macau’s appropriate economic diversification will be basically realized, according to Xinhua.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the SAR government calls on members of the public to “stay united to seize the opportunities brought by the master plan, and to realise joint the development goals outlined in it.”
“These efforts boost driving forces for Macau’s long-term development, providing Macau with new space, new opportunities to enhance its people’s welfare and livelihood, while ensuring Macau’s long-term prosperity and stability and facilitating the city’s closer integration with overall national development,” as cited in a statement issued by the Government Information Bureau.
The government said that it will spare no effort in realising the significant opportunities created under the master plan, in a bid to give fresh impetus for Macau’s long-term development.
The master plan specifies its goal for the Cooperation Zone in Hengqin is to assist Macau’s adequate economic diversification, complement with four strategic positioning, and four major tasks. Promulgation of the master plan marks a new stage between Guangdong and Macau for of mutual discussion, joint construction, joint administration and shared benefits.
“The SAR government will work in align with the central government’s guidance and in accordance with the Master Plan, in order to push forward – jointly with Guangdong Government and Zhuhai Government – for the development of Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. MDT/XINHUA