SHENZHEN will marshal the full resources of the city to promote the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and considers it the top priority of 2019, the Shenzhen Economic Daily reported yesterday.

The work arrangement was announced at the 11th plenary session of the sixth Shenzhen municipal Party committee. It was proposed that the construction of the Greater Bay Area lead Shenzhen’s reform and opening up in the new era, as it represents a great opportunity for exploring high-quality development.

According to the plenary session, Shenzhen accelerated the planning, layout and construction as the key engine of the Greater Bay Area in 2018.

The Qianhai and Shekou Area of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone has embraced vigorous development. The achievements of 11 institutional innovations have been popularized throughout the country.

There are 3,669 new Hong Kong enterprises in the area, and construction on the Mawan cross-sea passageway has also been initiated.

The cooperation between Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macao has been further deepened. Hong Kong and Macao residents, especially young people, have enjoyed more convenience while working and living in Shenzhen.

Meanwhile, the planning and construction of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong S&T Innovation Special Cooperation Zone has been accelerated. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cooperative Innovation Center has been built and put into service.

Construction on the Shimao Shenzhen-Hong Kong International Center has been initiated and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-speed Railway has also been put into operation.

Shenzhen is enjoying increasing international influence. The city set up 106 new enterprises and institutions in countries and regions along the Belt and Road in 2018. The Butuka Academy in Papua New Guinea, a friendship project built by Shenzhen, was opened last year.

Additionally, the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting was held in Shenzhen from May 26 to 28, 2018. Also, the number of international air routes has increased to 46.

In order to further deepen cooperation between Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macao, it has been proposed to jointly construct an international science and technology innovation center and to build an innovation corridor connecting Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macao.

It has been suggested to promote the sharing of large scientific instruments and facilities, pilot a green channel for the capital flow of science and technology investment funds, and increase exchanges and cooperation in the fields of education, medical treatment and culture.

(Zhang Yu)