The Central district of Hong Kong (left) and Luohu district of Shenzhen. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Shenzhen’s Luohu district has introduced 45 measures to deepen the integrated development between the city and Hong Kong.

According to the implementation plan, Luohu will make the 9.5-square-kilometer boundary zone the core area to drive cross-border integration. Located north of Hong Kong’s New Territories, Luohu currently has three border checkpoints with Hong Kong — Luohu Port, Wenjindu Port and Liantang Port.

An official from Luohu district’s development and reform bureau said the 45 measures were launched with a focus on six aspects —infrastructure connectivity, talent exchange, cross-border flow of elements, integration of industry development, integration of public services, and cultural exchanges

An official from the district’s development and reform bureau said the 45 measures were launched with a focus on six aspects —infrastructure connectivity, talent exchange, cross-border flow of elements, integration of industry development, integration of public services, and cultural exchanges.

The district government will expedite the renovation of Luohu Port. Its facilities, environment, and custom clearance will be upgraded comprehensively.

Cross-border transport of fresh food at Wenjindu Port will be transferred to other checkpoints to free up space for the development of professional services there.

The district will set up a Shenzhen-Hong Kong young people’s center to attract more innovative talents to settle down, according to the government document.

READ MORE: CE aims for closer innovation, tech cooperation with Shenzhen

Provision of public housing for talent from Hong Kong will be hastened to facilitate their moving to the district. The support will be via prioritizing offers or providing subsidies.

The district will continue to launch other tailor-made policies for them in the future, its government said.

To make it easier and more convenient for Hong Kong residents to receive medical services in Luohu, the district is working to include Luohu People’s Hospital in the list of medical institutions in Shenzhen that can provide referral services to Hong Kong patients.

The district will also promote the joint construction of a general practice training center and other medical platforms to strengthen the flow of medical resources across the border.

READ MORE: Shenzhen aims to be fintech hub

In terms of education, Luohu said it will encourage private schools to open classes for students from Hong Kong and will introduce private capital to build international schools.

The unveiling of the new Luohu policies came two days after Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered on Wednesday his maiden Policy Address, where he highlighted the role of Northern Metropolis, which borders Luohu district, in driving Hong Kong’s future economic growth.

The number of Hong Kong people living in Luohu accounts for 20 percent of Shenzhen’s total population of Hong Kong residents, according to local media.

Contact the writer at sally@chinadailyhk.com