(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
At Guangdong's recent annual "Two Sessions," members of the Guangdong CPPCC from Macao emphasized plans for closer collaboration with Hengqin, with a focus on talent development, industry, the digital economy, and cross-border trade.
According to Macao CPPCC member Kong Chi Meng, the under-construction Macao–Hengqin International Education City is set to become a pilot platform for cross-border higher education. This 20 billion yuan project, designed to accommodate over 20,000 students, aims to foster innovation and talent, test new educational models, facilitate research commercialization, attract top global universities, and connect Macao's international networks with Hengqin's industrial resources. This initiative seeks to create a blueprint for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's education and innovation hub.
Wong Ka Lon outlined plans to assist county-level enterprises in expanding globally, leveraging the platform provided by the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. He recommended funding for digital transformation, expansion of e-commerce pilots, logistics support, and business matchmaking events, noting that Macao-led product design and multilingual live-streaming could enhance the international competitiveness of local products.
Lee Koi Ian emphasized the importance of systematizing over 300 cross-border research projects and establishing a "30-minute innovation circle" that connects laboratories and factories. He also called for increased joint funding in frontier technologies and for easing travel and social services for Macao professionals to attract and retain talent.
On the topic of digital integration, Zhu Haisheng advocated for a "positive list for cross-border data flows" in Hengqin and the introduction of pilot "data customs" in sectors such as integrated circuits, traditional Chinese medicine, and artificial intelligence. He proposed building offshore data centers and international submarine cable hubs to create a "digital free trade port," establishing a green channel for research materials, and setting up multi-modal testing corridors for drones, unmanned ships, and intelligent vehicles. A "Hengqin-Macao digital content export fund" would support Macao IP products made in Hengqin for Portuguese-speaking countries and RCEP members, including digital animation, VR micro-series, and holographic games.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
Editor: Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
