China News Service, Zhuhai, September 5th (Reporter Deng Yuanwen) September 5th marks the five-year anniversary of the publication of the "Overall Plan for the Construction of the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao Deep Cooperation Zone" (hereinafter referred to as the "Overall Plan"). From the "hard connection" of infrastructure to the "soft connection" of rules and mechanisms, from people's livelihood public services to the coordinated layout of industries in Qingdao and Macao, Hengqin is using the new practice of "Macao + Hengqin" to transform the "Master Plan" from a blueprint into a reality.
Overlooking the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao Deep Cooperation Zone. Photo courtesy of the Administrative and Legal Affairs Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao Deep Cooperation Zone in Hengqin
According to statistics, as of July 31 this year, there were 8,148 Australian-funded enterprises in the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao Deep Cooperation Zone (hereinafter referred to as the Cooperation Zone), an increase of 75.72% compared with the time when the Cooperation Zone was established in 2021, accounting for 16.2% of the total number of enterprises in the Cooperation Zone. On average, one in every six enterprises has "Macao genes". The industrial linkage model of "Macao platform + international resources + Hengqin space + achievement sharing" is moving from paper to reality.
At present, the cooperation zone has launched 350 rule convergence measures, covering the fields of economy, trade, commerce, people's livelihood and other fields; the first dedicated cross-border government data channel between Hengqin and Macao has been opened, and the efficiency of government collaboration between the two places has been greatly improved; the "Australia Affairs Qin Office" service has been expanded to 474 items, making it more convenient for Australians and Macao companies to do business in Hengqin.
Not long ago, Macau International Airport Hengqin pre-cargo station's aviation panel making business made its first flight as a "pilot and trial". This "front-end, direct port, and direct airport" model has realized the first substantial extension of Macau International Airport's service functions to the mainland. For Hengqin, this is not only an improvement in logistics efficiency, but also a leap in urban functions - it means that Hengqin is becoming an "aviation logistics node in the Greater Bay Area" and is truly embedded in the network of regional industrial and supply chains.
As a cornerstone policy for the high-level opening-up of the Cooperation Zone, the branch line management policy has been implemented for more than two years, and the system dividends have continued to be released: Today, the average daily number of vehicles passing through Hengqin Port exceeds 12,000, of which more than two-thirds are Macao single-plate vehicles; the average daily number of customs clearance personnel is nearly 100,000, of which more than a quarter are Macao residents.
More open results and scenarios are continuing to be implemented. As of July this year, 12 pilot banks in the zone have opened nearly 800 multi-functional free trade accounts and have handled more than 630 billion yuan in fund transfers, making cross-border capital transactions more convenient. The pilot dual-currency acquiring business covers 7 key business districts, making it easier for Macao residents to experience cross-border payments without any sense of switching. (over)
