China unveils development plan for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
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E-mail Xinhua, February 19, 2019
Plan hailed
The People's Daily hailed the plan, saying the Greater Bay Area facilitates the enrichment of the implementation of the "one country, two systems," creates more opportunities for the socio-economic development of the two special administrative regions and for Hong Kong and Macao compatriots wishing to develop careers on the mainland.
We must "free our minds, make active explorations and bold trials, and strive to play a pioneering role," the article says.
Both HKSAR and Macao SAR governments issued statements welcoming the promulgation of the plan.
An HKSAR government spokesperson said the Greater Bay Area will help Hong Kong find new drivers for economic growth and advance the diversified development of local economy and industries, as well as expand the living and development space of Hong Kong residents.
"Bay areas play a big role in global economic powerhouses such as the United States and Japan," said Liang Haiming, head of China Silk Road iValley Research Institute. "China's bay area will become a world-leading one and demonstrate the vitality of our systems."
Lin Jiang, vice dean with the Center for Studies of Hong Kong, Macao and Pearl River Delta at Sun Yat-sen University, noted the complexity of building this bay area because different social and legal systems, three separate customs territories and three currencies are involved.
"Such uniqueness brings challenges," Lin said, but adding that they can be overcome by improving the unified mechanism of regional public goods.
Ip Kuai Peng, pro-rector of the City University of Macau, said he is confident that the Greater Bay Area will evolve into a vibrant, innovative world-class area with high efficiency, rich resources, a strong economy, and good opportunities.
"The high degree of resource flow and integration in the area will truly enhance the well-being of Macao residents," he said. "For example, the 'one-hour living circle' will greatly facilitate the life and employment of bay area residents."
Fang Zhou, research director of the Hong Kong-based One-Country-Two-Systems Research Institute, said developing the bay area will provide young people with new opportunities.
It will allow Hong Kong residents to further enjoy the benefits of the country's economic development and sustain Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, he said.
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