Nansha should strengthen ties with Macau, Hong Kong

A panoramic view of Nansha Jiaomen River in Guangzhou, South China’s Guangdong province

On the Agenda

Nansha, a district in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, is poised to become a central hub for technological innovation and advanced industries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

This initiative is supported by a comprehensive 15-point plan unveiled by China’s National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce, and the State Administration for Market Regulation, official media revealed.

The plan aims to enhance Nansha’s role in driving the GBA’s development, transforming it into a major economic region by 2035, known for its innovation, international competitiveness, and influence.

Covering over 800 square kilometers and hosting a significant port, Nansha is designated as a critical zone within the GBA. Its strategic importance is underlined by policies such as a 144-hour visa-free transit for foreigners and a visa-free cruise travel policy. These measures are part of China’s broader strategy to foster high-standard international openness and promote the GBA’s high-quality development.

The guidelines emphasize Nansha’s role in various sectors, including unmanned systems technology, high-end marine equipment manufacturing, and cross-border investment services. These initiatives aim to promote green, low-carbon, and high-quality development.

Experts like Charlie Zheng of Samoyed Cloud Technology Group Holdings Ltd. and Wang Peng from the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences view these policies as pivotal in attracting businesses, investment, and professional talent from within China and abroad. They believe these measures will elevate Nansha’s appeal in industries such as high-end services, smart transportation, and marine equipment manufacturing, contributing to a low-carbon economy.

The plans include attracting professional service talents from Hong Kong and Macau SARs, advancing the construction of cross-border wealth and asset management centers, and enhancing Nansha’s international influence. Bai Wenxi of the China Enterprise Capital Union and Liang Haiming from the China Silk Road iValley Research Institute echo these sentiments, highlighting Nansha’s “potential in bolstering the GBA’s development through improved policies, infrastructure, and innovation.”

However, challenges remain in areas like transportation infrastructure, urban planning, talent recruitment, and training. Bai emphasizes the need for Nansha to strengthen its ties with Macau and Hong Kong and to focus on developing high-end manufacturing, modern services, and financial sectors to create a competitive modern industrial system. MDT/Agencies