Under the framework of CEPA, the service sector in Shenzhen will become the biggest beneficiary on the Chinese mainland by introducing more and more service enterprises and professionals from Hong Kong to boost the development of the city's tertiary industry.

The city's top advisers said this at the annual session of the Third Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPPCC.

"At the initial stage, the fulfilment of CEPA cannot only depend on the market and private forces, but it also calls for the strong participation of government and official organizations," said Zheng Shijing, chairman of Shenzhen Henghao Investment Development Co. Ltd.

To provide more business opportunities for enterprises in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong, Zheng proposed setting up some large service supermarkets such as a CEPA information center and law service centers, and opening a free CEPA service hotline and establishing a Shenzhen service industry Web site in the city.

Liang Manlin, vice chairman of Huanancheng Holdings Co. Ltd., said that quickly developing service centers that were oriented to the manufacturing industries in the Pearl River Delta would help build up a modern logistics industry in the city.

Chau How-chen, chairman of Hong Kong Tsuen Wan District Council, proposed broadening the prescribed scope of operation for Hong Kong individual entrepreneurs, who are now only allowed to run retailing businesses in the city.

"Traditional service industries such as handicraft, catering and repairing trades, which don't require professional certificates, should be kept open to Hong Kong people, who can bring advanced management expertise to the city," Chau said.

Editor: Donald