21st Century Business Herald:

The Nansha plan is another major strategic deployment of the Chinese government to further promote the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA. How has Nansha's development been up to now, and what kind of foundation has it laid for the Nansha plan in the future? How will you build Nansha into a strategic platform in the GBA that coordinates with Hong Kong and Macao and connects with the world? Thank you.

Guo Yonghang:

Thanks for your questions. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping and the Party Central Committee have paid close attention to Nansha's development. In 2014, Nansha district became a pilot FTZ. During his inspection tour in Guangdong in 2018, General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed the need to plan, develop, and construct Nansha district well. In 2019, the Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area proposed building Nansha district into a demonstration zone of comprehensive cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Thanks to these multiple benefits, Nansha ushered in a new stage, and its development accelerated significantly. Last year, the Nansha district's GDP exceeded 200 billion yuan, and the world's top 500 companies invested in 223 projects there. Its R&D investment intensity reached 3.67%, and a "1+1+3+N" system for S&T innovation was initially formed. A total of 749 institutional innovation results were achieved, 43 of which have been promoted nationwide. More than 2,700 Hong Kong and Macao enterprises have settled in the district with an investment volume of US$117 billion. The Guangzhou Futures Exchange, the Greater Bay Science Forum, and International Financial Forum were also set up and held in Nansha.

Located at GBA's geographical heart, Nansha district is in the center of the bay area, covering an area of 803 square kilometers and with a development intensity of 23%. Renowned universities, institutions, and research centers are therefore attracted to Nansha: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) will open in autumn of this year, the middle school affiliated with the South China Normal University and Zhixin High School will open campuses in Nansha, and two national medical centers of Guangdong will also settle in Nansha. With outstanding advantages and beneficial policies, Nansha's future development enjoys favorable timing, geographical convenience, and the people's support. 

The plan, which makes Nansha a major strategic platform, puts forward five objectives and requirements. We will strengthen the Party's leadership in all respects, bear in mind the country's most fundamental interests, and seize the opportunity and grasp this historic opportunity so as to follow the principles of innovation, practicality, and precision and live up to the mission of our times.

In terms of innovation, we will carry forward Guangzhou's spirit of reform and innovation, stay enterprising and innovative, and set new standards in order to accelerate alignment with the rules and mechanisms of Hong Kong and Macao. A world-class business environment that can attract both domestic and international enterprises will be established. We will work together with Hong Kong and Macao to build Nansha into a comprehensive service base for Chinese enterprises going abroad, a new model for global resources allocation, and a new platform for international exchange. Nansha strives to become a strategic node in fostering a new development paradigm.

In terms of practicality, we will take a pragmatic approach, make concrete efforts and aim to deliver when cooperating with Hong Kong and Macao. The Guangzhou laboratory is encouraged to strengthen research cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao, and other laboratories in Guangdong province are urged to set up branches or bases in Hong Kong. We will facilitate cross-border use of fiscal research funds and boost research institutions to jointly carry out S&T innovation projects. Tapping into Hong Kong's "super-connector" role and Macao as a bridge connecting with Portuguese-speaking countries, Nansha will drive the commercialization and application of international S&T achievements. Efforts will be made to introduce investment, deepen cooperation in industrial and supply chains, construct a demonstration zone for young Hong Kong and Macao entrepreneurs, improve relevant policy and service systems, and strengthen the supply of education, medical care, elderly care, and other services for Hong Kong and Macao residents.

In terms of precision, we will pursue elaborate planning, targeted construction, and sound growth so as to promote high-quality development. The development plan of Nansha district will be revised, and regulations of Nansha on deepening comprehensive cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao with a global perspective will be formulated. Protection and inheritance of history and culture will be strengthened, and a national demonstration zone for ecological friendliness will be created. We will build the smartest urban district and fine-tune our efforts in urban management. Smart manufacturing, digital industries, high-end service industries, and industries related to reinforcing the marine industry through technology will be developed. We will also build a modern industrial system featuring green and low-carbon technologies. Thank you.