'One country, two systems' boon for Macao

The Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council have jointly released a general plan for building the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, an island that is part of Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

As a major part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the in-depth cooperation zone will help inject new vitality into the Macao Special Administrative Region's economy. The plan reflects the advantages of "one country, two systems".

The Hengqin New Area was founded in 2009 with the objective of creating favorable conditions for Macao to diversify its industries. In the 12 years since, Hengqin has helped Macao diversify its economy. That the total number of Macao-funded enterprises in Hengqin exceeds 3,500 is proof of that. Also, many of the new enterprises focus on the education, healthcare and old age care sectors to meet Macao's demands.

The general plan shows the central leadership's determination to continue supporting the development of Macao and the Greater Bay Area. The cooperation zone in Hengqin will be jointly managed by Guangdong province and the Macao SAR, and the latter has welcomed the opportunities that the general plan has created.

But the blueprint needs to be properly implemented. For that, all sides should focus on common interests and increase investment in the Hengqin New Area.

While propelling the development of the Greater Bay Area, it is necessary to make good use of the advantages of "one country, two systems". With the support of the central leadership, Guangdong and Macao can deepen cooperation, develop new industries that will diversify Macao's economy, and develop a new zone where Macao residents can live and work more comfortably.