Host City

Guangdong Special: Hengqin New Area plans high-tech hub

By Xu Xiao (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-26 08:01

The fledgling Hengqin New Area is expected to become the tourism, high-tech and service center of Zhuhai.

Zhuhai's Hengqin New Area is now emerging as an economic hub after becoming a development zone and investment destination for businesses from home and abroad.

Since 2005, the island area neighboring Hong Kong and Macao has utilized $19.56 billion in foreign investment and garnered tax revenues of up to 230 million yuan.

Officials aim to attract additional foreign capital by developing tourism and high-tech industries.

In 2008, the total agricultural output value of the Hengqin New Area amounted to 128.78 million yuan. Retail sales of consumer goods totaled 107.74 million yuan.

That same year, the island received 1.8 million tourists and was named a demonstration zone for closer economic cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao. Emphasis was placed on service and hi-tech industries.

The zone was included by the National Development and Reform Commission as part of the 2008-2020 Pearl River Delta region development plan.

Construction and development of Hengqin New Area was approved by the State Council in August 2009.

The Zhuhai city government hopes to develop Hengqin into a sustainable and profitable tourism destination.

(China Daily 10/26/2010 page17)