Hong Kong and Shenzhen cooperation is entering a new era. Heads of Nansha Development Zone and the Qianhai Management Authority said today that the two zones will focus on the development of services industries and roll out various pilot measures which will benefit Guangdong-Hong Kong cooperation. These will include tax incentives to attract Hong Kong talent to work in these regions.
These were the findings of a joint delegation organized by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Pearl River Delta Business Council study tour, which returned to Hong Kong today from Nansha and Qianhai. Led by HKGCC Chairman Anthony Wu, the 46-member delegation had in-depth discussions with top officials on the development plans for the special zones. Delegates also learned about priority industries, concrete support measures, as well as how the Hong Kong business community can participate in the development plan.
Cao Hai Lei, General Office Principal Staff, Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen, stressed that Qianhai is the “SAR of the SARs.” He explained that an innovative system is central to development, and he had no doubt that Shenzhen and Hong Kong will be able to make new breakthroughs. Business cooperation will focus on setting up a talent innovation base, and the two areas will be able to complement each other and foster mutual growth.
Chamber CEO Shirley Yuen expressed concerns about Qianhai's tax system. Cao said their financial and tax policies are under Central Government's review. He also stressed that Qianhai's future tax policies will not be inferior to those of Macau or Hengqin SARs.
Zhong Huaying, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee of Guangzhou Nansha District, explained that future areas of cooperation with Hong Kong will cover five industries: business and trade; technology and innovation; education and training; maritime and logistics; as well as information and MICE. Measures to support the growth of these industries will be gradually rolled out in pilot programs to enhance the transparency and effectiveness of the initiatives.
Commenting on the mission, Wu said Hong Kong’s services sector can further capitalize on and promote their advantages through closer cooperation with Nansha. He said he was particularly optimistic about cooperation in the areas of education and training, and added that the unique ecological advantages of Nansha will also offer tremendous opportunities for Hong Kong’s tourism and healthcare sectors. For example, they could cooperate in the development of recreational and holiday resorts.
Yuen appreciated the warm reception and meetings arranged by the Nansha and Qianhai leaders. She said the tour was tremendously useful in helping delegates gain a better understanding of the investment environment and development direction of the two districts. The mission will help enterprises formulate their future investment plans and promote Guangdong-Hong Kong cooperation.
Photo 1:
Delegates visit Nansha Marina.
Photo 2:
Members exchange views with Nansha district officials.
Photos from the mission can be downloaded from www.chamber.org.hk/en/media/pressphotos/
For media enquiries, please contact: Ms Fion Chui at 2823-1299 / [email protected]