The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has evolved into one of the most promising growth poles not only in China but globally, following over five years of development, according to a member of China’s national political advisory body.
O Lam, an official of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), highlighted the significant progress made in regional integration. “Customs clearance is smoother, residents from the three regions share a closer bond, and they are more devoted to work,” she said.
She emphasized that the key to enhancing market integration lies in incorporating consistent rules and mechanisms. As an official responsible for municipal affairs in Macao, O Lam is acutely aware of the importance of streamlined entry and exit procedures for goods such as meat, vegetables, and fruit, which are crucial for food security and the protection of biological and ecological environments.
“Cooperation in inspection and quarantine may seem technical on the surface, but it serves as a microcosm of the integration and coordination of the three customs territories under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework in the Greater Bay Area,” she explained.
O Lam noted that the depth of this institutional integration reflects the improvement in people’s livelihoods and showcases the convergence of the Greater Bay Area’s strengths. “It records the speed of the development of Chinese modernization,” she added.
This year marks a double celebration for the Macao SAR, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. “In this dynamic year, more efforts will be made to actively construct the Greater Bay Area, dedicating solid achievements and remarkable performances to the anniversary,” said O Lam. She affirmed the continued advancement of Macao’s dedication to the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.
(Cover image: A view of the island of Hengqin in south China’s Guangdong Province, January 3, 2023. /CFP)
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CPPCC member: Greater Bay Area is one of brightest global growth poles
cgtn.com
