Delegation explores progress in Guangdong

A delegation composed of representatives of commercial chambers, international corporations and foreign diplomatic missions in Hong Kong continued its visit in Guangzhou on Wednesday, as part of the five-day trip to Guangdong province.

Zhu Wei, deputy director of the provincial Development and Reform Commission, briefed the delegation on the progress Guangdong has made in advancing the building of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The GBA enjoys unique advantages, including a solid economic foundation, a well-developed industrial system, robust innovation-based economy and deep-rooted tradition of opening-up, he said at a Guangdong promotion conference.

Progress has been made in interconnectivity, clustering of innovation factors, rule compatibility and the building of major cooperative platforms in the GBA.

Work will be carried out to strengthen the infrastructure, build an international innovation center and facilitate a first-class business environment and high-quality living space in the area, he said.

The GBA presents rich development opportunities, and Cathay Pacific will take its multimodal transport services to full scale in the GBA, said Ronald Lam, chief executive officer of the airline group.

Ferry service between Guangzhou's Pazhou port and Hong Kong's airport will be launched in the first half of this year. The building of a VIP lounge by Cathay Pacific in Shenzhen's Shekou will be completed in August, he said.

The trip was organized by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.