The Chief Executive, Mr Ho Iat Seng, met with officials from Zhuhai to exchange views on, respectively, accelerating effort on the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone planned for the island of Hengqin, extending bilateral ties, and advancing cooperation on epidemic-control work.

The discussion with the Secretary of the Zhuhai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Mr Guo Yonghang, and the Mayor of Zhuhai, Mr Yao Yisheng, was held on Thursday (30 July) at the Government Headquarters in Macao.

During the meeting, Mr Ho noted Macao and Zhuhai maintained close relations and sound cooperation in various fields.

Mr Ho noted Hengqin island was a key platform for Macao to engage further in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area). He added that the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone on Hengqin needed further innovative and pragmatic effort from both sides, in terms of design and planning.

The Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone on Hengqin was an innovative and pragmatic initiative under the “One country, two systems” framework, Mr Ho said. Macao would do further work – along with the Guangdong Government – regarding economic matters and trade, financial management matters, certification-of-origin matters, models for boundary-crossing procedures, and social welfare. Further cooperation in these fields would help transform the Intensive Cooperation Zone on Hengqin into a pilot zone for advancing the Greater Bay Area.

Mr Guo noted during the meeting that Hengqin had long been a key point for Guangdong-Macao cooperation. He said he looked forward to advancing development of the Intensive Cooperation Zone, adding that the Guangdong Government was paying close attention to the matter.

During Thursday’s meeting, the two sides also exchanged views on cooperation regarding epidemic-control work, and the latest developments in that regard. Macao and Zhuhai affirmed their mutual effort in the prevention and control of COVID-19. Both sides said they would maintain close communication, and engage in timely coordination, as part of effort to normalise cross-boundary movement.

Other Macao officials attending the meeting were: the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Mr Cheong Weng Chon; the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Lei Wai Nong; the Director-General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Vong Man Chong; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Hoi Lai Fong; the Chief of Office of the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Mr Lam Chi Long; and the Chief of Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Ms Ku Mei Leng.

Other officials visiting from Zhuhai included: Deputy Secretary of the CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee, Mr Zhao Jianguo; member of the CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee and Vice Mayor of Zhuhai, Mr Zeng Jinze; and member of the CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee and Secretary-General, Mr Wu Shi.