Huang mentioned that Zhuhai is planning to strengthen its connections with Hong Kong and Macau to draw more visitors to the city.
“The progress of a region or city relies on short-term policies, medium-term population, and long-term city services,” Huang emphasized.
The completion of the Hongqimen bridge in the Greater Bay Area is nearing as the gap closes.
Authorities have high expectations for the Greater Bay Area, encompassing Hong Kong and Macau, to become a key economic center and an innovation hub in the country’s competition with the United States.
Technology stands as a crucial battleground in this rivalry, with the southern region expected to significantly contribute to bridging the technological divide between the two nations.
Guangdong is the base for several prominent tech firms such as BYD in electric vehicles, DJI in drones, Huawei Technologies in telecommunications, and Tencent in the internet sector.
The Greater Bay Area recorded a gross domestic product of 13.6 trillion yuan (US$1.89 trillion) last year, approximately equivalent to Tokyo’s economy.
During discussions, representatives also highlighted the urgent need to attract skilled professionals to the region.
MTR Corp is set to expand its presence in the Greater Bay Area, although Hong Kong remains its primary focus, as stated by the chairman.
Peng Peng, executive chairman of the Guangdong Society of Reform, mentioned the significant potential for city integration in the area to stimulate domestic demand and enhance industries.
The expectation is for residents from Hong Kong and Macau to increase spending in Guangdong due to the affordability of goods and convenient transportation. This trend is anticipated to spread gradually from Shenzhen to Zhuhai and other cities within the province.
A surge in retail sales was observed in Shenzhen last year, surpassing 1 trillion yuan with a 7.8% year-on-year growth, largely driven by Hong Kong residents.
Peng highlighted that this year’s primary focus for the Greater Bay Area will be the integration of Guangdong’s technological and manufacturing strengths with Hong Kong and Macau’s expertise in finance and the international market.
