Macao vehicles make historic journey

Vehicles with Macao license plate have crossed the border into Chinese mainland, for the first time, as the special economic zone takes steps to facilitate cross-border cooperation.

Since Tuesday, some vehicles with a license plate issued outside the mainland have been able to enter and leave Hengqin New Area in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

To be eligible for a temporary license plate to enter the Chinese mainland, owners of Macao vehicles must have a registered company in Hengqin that ranks among the top 100 highest tax paying businesses. They must also promise to continue to operate the company in Hengqin for at least five years.

Enterprises based in Macao that have bought land in Hengqin also qualify to apply for the temporary license plate.

The new policy is one of 19 preferential measures announced in October during Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Macao.

Macao's secretary for security Wong Sio Chak said at the launch ceremony of the policy in Hengqin on Tuesday that the new policy is an important measure designed to deepen cooperation between Macao and Guangdong.

The move will help promote the development of both Macao and Zhuhai and increase the competitiveness of the two cities by improving the allocation of resources, Wong said.

Hengqin, which borders Macao, is well-positioned to facilitate cooperation between Guangdong and Macao. It is part of China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone, which also covers Shenzhen's Qianhai and Guangzhou's Nansha.

Zhuhai Mayor Zheng Renhao said the launch of the new policy marks a fresh starting point for stronger cooperation between Zhuhai and Macao.

It will push forward construction of Hengqin free trade zone and also Macao's diversified development, he said.