According to Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, the People's Government of Guangdong, there were eight highlights with 73 specific measures issued in this year's tasks under the "Framework Agreement on Cooperation Between Guangdong and Macao".

This year marks the tenth year since the signing of the Framework Agreement on Cooperation in 2011, meaning that Guangdong and Macao have deployed key tasks for ten consecutive years.

Key tasks for 2020 include to support adequate diversification of Macao's economy, cross-border infrastructure construction and convenient customs clearance, development of an international technological innovation center, develop modern service industry, promote education, talent and youth cooperation, develop an international business environment, establish a high quality living area, and participate in the construction of the Belt and Road initiative.

The Hengqin island in Zhuhai. (Photo / Nanfang Plus)

For instance, the moderate and diversified development of Macao's economy is one of the focuses of deepening Guangdong-Macao cooperation. This year, both sides will accelerate the establishment of a cooperation zone for in-depth collaboration between Guangdong and Macao in the Hengqin area.

In detail, it will build a mechanism for mutual cooperation and management in more flexible ways, and facilitate the exchange of personnel and economic convenience between Guangdong and Macao.

In order to boost industrial cooperation, it plans to promote the construction of a Portuguese-speaking countries industrial park for the Guangdong-Macao Cooperation in Nansha, and accelerate the construction of Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited’s international headquarters in Macao.

As for cross-border infrastructure and customs clearance, a new channel linking Guangdong and Macao, called the Port of Qingmao in Zhuhai will be completed in this year and be inspection ready. And it will adopt a "Joint Inspection & One-time Release" customs clearance mode, for local Chinese it will take only a few minutes to cross from Zhuhai to Macao through E-channels.

Soft connectivity is also referred in this year’s tasks, for unemployed Macao residents in Guangdong who reach the requirements, they are encouraged to have an endowment insurance, and enjoy relevant treatment and subsidies.

Furthermore, both sides will make efforts to establish and improve the working mechanism for epidemic prevention and control. Communication will be enhanced in information sharing, epidemic prevention measures and ports cooperation.

Author: Will

Editor: Jerry