National lawmakers from the Macao Special Administrative Region pledged on Saturday to deepen the city’s integration with the Chinese mainland and give full play to its strengths in cultural exchange and social services, as the annual session of the National People’s Congress continues in Beijing.
Speaking at an open group meeting during the fourth session of the 14th NPC, deputies said Macao will enhance connectivity with major cooperation platforms, particularly the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
Kevin Ho King-lun, an NPC deputy from Macao, called for accelerated development of cross-border infrastructure, including high-speed rail links, border checkpoints and airport facilities, to support closer integration with Hengqin.
Ho, who is also a Macao lawmaker, highlighted the need for greater convenience in customs clearance, such as better alignment of inspection and quarantine standards between Macao and Hengqin. He also urged further study into facilitating cross-border flows of capital, technology and professionals to support deeper cooperation in employment, education and healthcare.
Since its establishment in 2021, the Hengqin cooperation zone has made notable progress in high-quality development, said Ho. Its gross domestic product rose from 45.5 billion yuan ($6.59 billion) at its launch to 54.7 billion yuan in 2025, with four new industries — including advanced manufacturing as well as cultural tourism and exhibition services — accounting for more than 65 percent of output.
Chan Hong, another Macao deputy to the NPC, said, “The SAR’s role as an important window for exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilizations has become increasingly evident over the past year, supported by steady progress in cultural and sports initiatives.”
She added that Macao will host the International Forum on Mutual Learning Among Civilizations this year, following the inaugural event held in December. “We will develop it into a recognized brand and showcase Macao’s unique cultural value to the world,” she said.
Encouraged by the central government’s continued commitment to strengthening social welfare, NPC deputy Ng Siu-lai said Macao could contribute to national development by extending its professional and internationally recognized social services model, particularly in elderly and childcare services, to the Hengqin cooperation zone.
Ng proposed starting with pilot projects that could serve as examples, ensuring that Macao residents living in Hengqin enjoy services comparable to those in the SAR, while also sharing Macao’s experience to support the country’s exploration of diversified social services.
Contact the writer at irisli@chinadailyhk.com
