The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government welcomes the promulgation today by the Central Government of the Master Plan of the Development of the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. 

The Master Plan showcases the Central Government’s support over Macao’s economic diversification and is a major initiative to enrich further the practice of the “One country, two systems” principle. The MSAR Government will spare no effort in realising the significant opportunities created under the Master Plan, in a bid to give fresh impetus for Macao’s long-term development.

The Master Plan specifies its goal for the Cooperation Zone in Hengqin is to assist Macao’s adequate economic diversification, complement with four strategic positioning, and four major tasks. Promulgation of the Master Plan marks a new stage between Guangdong and Macao for of mutual discussion, joint construction, joint administration and shared benefits.

The MSAR Government will work in align with the Central Government’s guidance and in accordance with the Master Plan, in order to push forward – jointly with Guangdong Government and Zhuhai Government – for the development of Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The MSAR Government is confident that – under the guiding principle of adhering to the “one-country” principle while taking advantage of the “two-systems” model – the Cooperation Zone will successfully explore new system and new showcase, with a view to create new driving force for the steady practice of the “One country, two systems” principle with Macao characteristics. 

On 20 December 2019, President Xi Jinping made an important speech when he was in Macao for events marking the 20th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland and the inauguration of the fifth-term MSAR Government. The speech paved a clear direction for the collaboration between Macao, Guangdong and Zhuhai regarding the development of Henqqin. At the ceremony, President Xi said it was particular important for Zhuhai and Macao to jointly develop Hengqin, in order for Macao to expand space for long-term development and create new impetus for development.

Developing the Cooperation Zone in Hengqin is a paramount step to advance the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area), and a significant move to enrich the implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle. The Cooperation Zone earmarks fresh strategic development for comprehensive deepening reform and for high-level opening up economy. These efforts boost driving forces for Macao’s long-term development, providing Macao with new space, new opportunities to enhance its people’s welfare and livelihood, while ensuring Macao’s long-term prosperity and stability and facilitating the city’s closer integration with overall national development.

The MSAR Government calls on members of the public to stay united to seize the opportunities brought by the Master Plan, and to realise joint the development goals outlined in it.