The Macao representatives of the National People’s Congress (NPC) have proposed formalising the relationship between Hengqin and Macao in law.
According to Chinese language media reports, the Macao NPC deputies, who were in Beijing during the past week for the annual “two sessions” legislative gathering, said the move would help to “unleash” the “dividends” and drive significant change in Hengqin – an administrative district of the mainland city of Zhuhai, widely seen as essential to Macao’s future growth.
The representatives also called for the authorities to “comprehensively” deal with the systemic and regulatory inconsistencies and barriers that are impeding full integration between the SAR and Hengqin.
The process would include integrating the mainland island’s regulatory laws in customs, finance, taxes and health with those of Macao and the international community.
[See more: Hengqin Port is introducing card-free automated barriers]
“The policy framework of Hengqin has been formed with clear development objectives, yet implementation can be further enhanced,” Macao NPC member Jose Chui Sai-peng said to China Daily.
Non-legislative recommendations included a proposal by NPC member Lao Ngai Leong for a new link between Hengqin and the Macao peninsula. He pointed out that the only passage between the SAR and Hengqin was through the Lotus Bridge and Hengqin Port.
Overall, the Macao NPC delegates submitted a record breaking 107 proposals during this year’s two sessions. Speaking to TDM, Chui said that the proposals covered many areas, although most were related to Hengqin.
“We can see that everyone shares the same goal – we hope to see more effective and vigorous development in Macao and Hengqin and ensure that it fulfils its purpose as soon as possible,” he said.
