SCMA visits Macao and Zhuhai (with photos)
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     The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, visited Macao and Zhuhai today (June 6). He toured the Commemorative Gallery of the Macao Basic Law and the Zhuhai-Macao Port on the artificial island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and met with government officials of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Mr Nip also visited Jinwan District in Zhuhai to see its latest developments.

     Mr Nip departed for Macao via the HZMB in the morning. Upon his arrival, he visited the Commemorative Gallery of the Macao Basic Law, where he gained a deeper understanding of the promotion and implementation of the Constitution and the Macao Basic Law.

     Mr Nip then met with the Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Leong Vai-tac, to exchange views on the active participation of Hong Kong and Macao in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and fostering co-operation between the two sides in economic and cross-boundary infrastructure facilities aspects.

     Mr Nip said at the meeting, "While Hong Kong and Macao both possess unique advantage under the principle of 'one country, two systems' in the course of developing the Greater Bay Area, the two places are also facing the same challenges in terms of the flow of people, goods and capital. The collaboration between Hong Kong and Macao can be strengthened in the future to improve the overall connectivity of the Greater Bay Area, thereby advancing economic growth and facilitating Hong Kong and Macao residents to reside in the Greater Bay Area. The facilitation measures, e.g. the residence permits and opening Mainland bank accounts without Mainland address proof, are well received by Hong Kong and Macao residents."
    
     In the afternoon, Mr Nip visited the Zhuhai-Macao Port on the artificial island of the HZMB. He toured the passenger clearance building to see the operation of the control point and the customs clearance process. He said he was glad to learn that the travelling time between Zhuhai and Hong Kong International Airport was now shortened to about 45 minutes, thereby facilitating the flow of people; strengthening the economic development of and connection between Hong Kong, Macao and the Western Pearl River Delta region; and bringing strategic significance for the development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
    
     After that, Mr Nip headed to Jinwan District, one of the three major administrative districts in Zhuhai, to keep abreast of its latest economic developments and ancillary facilities. Jinwan District is home to a rapidly developing real estate market. It also houses various industrial parks, including an eco-environment zone and manufacturing parks, attracting investment from Hong Kong and overseas enterprises.

     Mr Nip returned to Hong Kong this evening.

Ends/Thursday, June 6, 2019
Issued at HKT 17:54

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