Hengqin Island update

Filed Under Macau, Macao, Hengqin Island

BlogMacau.info reports: Authorities in Guangdong stressed that they will develop the island of Hengqin ‘autonomously’, in contrast to Macau’s Chief Executive remarks that the island should be developed jointly between Guangdong and Macau. Vice-Governor of the Province Wan Qingliang (萬慶良) told Macau and Hong Kong media delegation that the time has matured to further develop Hengqin Island, and that ‘consensus from all sides’ and conditions for further development have been formed. The island could become a ‘new brand’ to elevate the international competitivness in the Pearl River Delta region and in setting up a modernised industrial bastion. Wan also told reporters that the master plan of Hengqin has been reported to the Central Government, and clear support has been received.

He promised that preliminary foundation work will consider the opinion from the Macau Government. He also told reporters that the development of the island is now proceeded to a ‘launchable’ phase. Wan did not respond directly to questions that the Province’s intention to develop Hengqin will be incompatible with the Macau Government’s opinion to have it developed jointly between the two territories, only reiterated that the principle for Guangdong is ‘facing Hong Kong and Macau and automous development’.

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