The findings of a recent survey indicate that more than 80% of Macau residents in the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin are pleased with the entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, as well as the overall living environment.
As of April this year, the number of Macau residents employed and living in the cooperation zone had reached 27,629, reflecting a year-on-year increase of nearly 27% and a more than fivefold increase from the end of 2020, comprising over 20% of the zone’s total population.
Among them, 5,592 are employed, marking a nearly 12% year-on-year increase, while 23,106 residents live in the area, representing a 32% rise.
The recently published survey report, collaboratively released by the Macau Women’s General Association and the Hengqin Institute of Innovation and Development, utilized online and offline questionnaires, along with resident visits and seminars, to gain in-depth insights into the living and employment conditions of Macau residents in the cooperation zone, based on a sample size of 500 respondents.
The findings noted a “stronger overall sense” of well-being among Macau residents living in the cooperation zone, with over 80% expressing satisfaction with their living environment.
Notably, “beautiful environment” emerged as the primary factor influencing their choice of residence, accounting for 89% of responses.
“This underscores the significant role the living environment plays in Macau residents’ housing decisions and reflects the successful practices and appeal of the cooperation zone in promoting ecological and social civilization development,” the report emphasized.
The report identified three key areas of focus: targeted social security, seamless integration of daily life and transportation, and the alignment of rules and regulations related to residents’ livelihoods.
Notably, over 70% of respondents indicated that vehicle policies, such as allowing Macau single-plate vehicles to enter the Hengqin area, have increased their willingness to live in the cooperation zone.
In response to current conditions, specific policy recommendations were proposed, including enhancing public service facilities and promoting the integration of livelihood service mechanisms to further improve the zone’s livability.
Additionally, over 80% of Macau residents surveyed expressed positive views on the entrepreneurial and employment environment in the cooperation zone. The findings revealed that the number of cross-border professionals practicing in the zone has reached 1,599, with the number of registered Macau medical professionals increasing by approximately twelvefold year-on-year.
“An increasing number of Macau talents are participating in the development of the cooperation zone, driving the transition from ‘living in Hengqin’ to ‘building Hengqin.’”
The findings also highlighted that a good living environment, promising development prospects, abundant entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, substantial policy support, and an open and inclusive atmosphere are the most important factors attracting local residents to the cooperation zone for entrepreneurship and employment.
Meanwhile, the findings noted that Macau residents continue to face challenges in accessing government services in the cooperation zone that are on par with those available in Macau, indicating there is significant room for improvement in this area.
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