Macao thrives as collaboration deepens

In the 26 years since Macao's return to the motherland, the special administrative region's strengthening collaboration with neighboring Guangdong province has continuously enhanced its diversified economic development and quality of life, facilitating the smooth cross-boundary flow of people, goods and vehicles.

Featuring a blend of Eastern and Western cultures, Macao returned to the motherland on Dec 20, 1999, and Saturday marks the 26th anniversary of this significant milestone.

According to the latest official data, over 30,000 Macao residents live and work in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, with more than 1,300 Macao professionals practicing there. The zone has also attracted over 7,500 Macao-invested enterprises.

The seventh national census in 2020 showed that about 55,732 Macao residents live in the Chinese mainland, with more than half having resided there for over five years.

Eyeing the complementary advantages of Guangdong's industrial chain and Macao's international ties, Macao resident Zhang Haoren founded Guangdong True Health Medical Technology Development in Hengqin, which has developed into a State-level high-tech enterprise and a "little giant" firm with core technologies and strong innovation capabilities.

Chan Wai Nam, a young Macao man, has just received a business license in Hengqin, marking the start of his cross-border entrepreneurship with Italian partners. Emphasizing Hengqin's "bridgehead" role for youngsters from Macao to pursue their dreams on the mainland, Chan said the cooperation zone offers comprehensive support such as subsidies, entrepreneurship assistance and tax guidance.

Franke Ke, a finance practitioner from Macao, has resided in the Macao New Neighborhood in Hengqin for two years. Integrating residential buildings, schools, healthcare institutions and elderly care centers, this large-scale community offers similar living conditions and services to those in Macao.

He praised the convenience of educational facilities, which are located within the residential areas. Within the community, he can also access the international internet network, comparable to Macao's, which facilitates overseas financial operations and allows him to exchange the latest financial information with counterparts in Hong Kong and Macao.

For more than two decades, various kinds of fresh goods have also been steadily transported from Zhuhai to Macao, serving the essential needs of the SAR's residents.

According to customs statistics, since Macao's return in 1999, over 5 million tons of fresh products, including fruits, vegetables, poultry and seafood, have been supplied to Macao through Gongbei Port, as of November. This channel handles an average of about 120 cross-border trucks, transporting over 600 tons of goods each day.

Customs officer Hu Bengang said that Gongbei Port has continually enhanced the efficiency of agricultural product inspections, ensured supplies during typhoons, and facilitated the supply of imported fruits, to enable Macao compatriots to enjoy a high-quality and diverse range of fresh goods.

To facilitate travel for Macao residents on the mainland, private cars registered in the city have been permitted since 2023 to enter Guangdong conveniently for short-term business trips, family visits or leisure travel via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

As of this month, the number of registered participants has reached 73,655, and as of October, cross-boundary vehicle trips under the program had totaled 4 million.