THE newly released Qianhai plan draws up a blueprint for Hong Kong’s long-term development, Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, said Sunday. Central authorities recently issued a new plan for comprehensively deepening the reform and opening up of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone. The total area of the zone will be expanded to 120.56 square kilometers from 14.92 square kilometers. With the expanded cooperation zone, Hong Kong will have broader development room and the land shortage that has long been hindering the growth of Hong Kong’s industries will also be eased, Chan said in an online article. Chan believes Hong Kong’s pillar sectors will benefit from the plan as there will be wider opening up to Hong Kong’s service industries and better connectivity for cooperation in finance, technology and innovation among other areas. With the new plan, Hong Kong will be able to gradually realize its industrial structure upgrading, Chan said. Young Hong Kong people studying or working in Qianhai will also enjoy more favorable policies and have more opportunities, Chan added. (Xinhua) |