'Closer ties' for Shenzhen, HK as zone develops

Officials in Shenzhen, a pioneering city in China's reform and opening-up, vowed to work closely with Hong Kong for lasting economic benefits as the city's Qianhai and Shekou areas were formally established on Monday as part of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

"The free trade zone will drive closer economic connections between Shenzhen and Hong Kong," said He Zijun, deputy director of the Qianhai Administration Bureau in Shenzhen.

Two related zones were established in Guangdong province last week: Nansha in Guangzhou and Hengqin in Zhuhai.