In September 2021, the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin was established. Over the past three years, the Cooperation Zone has seen significant growth in Macao residents and enterprises, accelerated aggregation of innovative elements, the rapid development of Four New Industries (sci-tech research and high-end manufacturing; traditional Chinese medicine; cultural tourism, convention and exhibition; and modern finance), and the initial establishment of an integrated development pattern. The efforts in developing and constructing the Cooperation Zone have achieved noteworthy progress, gradually revealing its supporting role in promoting the moderate diversification of Macao's economy.
Recently, various international guests, including Vincent U U Sang, President of the Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute; Rita Santos, former Deputy Secretary-General of the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao); Colin James, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in China; and Y Ping Chow, President of the Chamber of Portugal-China SME Commerce, have expressed their best wishes, looking forward to a brighter future for the Cooperation Zone.
Beginning in 2023, the Macao-Hengqin Joint Investment Promotion Delegation has contacted overseas markets, conducting promotional roadshows in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Portugal, and Spain. Taking a hands-on approach, U U Sang shared his thoughts through a video message.
"Let's continue to work together for Macao's appropriate economic diversification and the construction of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, using Macao's platform and Hengqin's space to gather international resources and share benefits for a better future," said U in the video.
One of the most notable achievements of this year is the investment of Airbus Helicopters, a Fortune 500 company, in Hengqin. Its managing director Colin James said in the video message, as a global leader in helicopter manufacturing, "We are very much looking forward to moving into our new headquarters in Hengqin in September of this year and being a part of this vibrant Cooperation Zone, which we are sure will become a shining example both in China and to the world of what can be achieved in Hengqin and the (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao) Greater Bay Area."
Billy Chan, Chairman of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Macao, stated that the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin is a very important zone as a launchpad to get into the GBA, not just for businesses but also for cultural exchange, education, research, and many other areas where we can strengthen our partnership for years to come.
Rutger Verschuren, Chairman of the FMCC and the Area Vice President of Macau Operations for Artyzen Hospitality Group, indicated that he pictures Hengqin becoming a beacon of cross-cultural exchange and cooperation and the key contributor to the success of the Greater Bay Area and even the world. "It is amazing to witness and be part of the unfolding of Hengqin's full potential."
Co-produced by the Administrative Affairs Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and GDToday
