GBA briefs

Hong Kong: Cross-border truck pick-up services back on track

Hong Kong's cross-boundary truck drivers are now allowed to pick up their goods directly at points on the Chinese mainland instead of having to do so at designated places previously to avoid contact with their mainland counterparts, following the mainland's relaxation of its anti-pandemic strategy.

The new arrangement has no quota limits. Drivers are only required to show their negative nucleic acid test results within 48 hours and make prior appointments through the mobile application KuaJingAn.

Hong Kong's Transport Department will continue to conduct rapid nucleic acid tests for truck drivers.

Macao: Scrapping of COVID tests sparks travelers' interest

Searches for information about Macao have gone up substantially on a Chinese mainland travel platform after the special administrative region canceled COVID-19 nucleic acid and rapid antigen tests for travelers arriving in the city from Dec 9.

According to Tongcheng Travel — a major travel platform on the mainland — the volume of searches made for Macao-related information has surged by 123 percent, compared to the period just before the announcement.

Guangzhou: Nansha Port's cross-border e-commerce hits 100b yuan

The import and export value of the cross-border e-commerce industry at Guangzhou's Nansha Port reached a record high of 100 billion yuan ($14.29 billion) in the first 10 months of this year, representing a 3.7-fold year-on-year growth.

Goods were exported through the port to 116 countries and regions.

Currently, Nansha has 150 foreign trade airlines linking more than 400 port cities worldwide, along with 166 e-commerce platforms, including Tmall, JD.com, Cainiao and Vipshop.

Shenzhen: Shot in the arm for business as COVID curbs are eased

Shenzhen has unveiled a series of measures to boost spending and shore up the local economy following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, according to the city's Bureau of Commerce. The measures include financial subsidies for purchasing consumer electronics and home appliances, supporting businesses, and optimizing management services.

Buyers of certain consumer electronics and home appliances will receive subsidies worth up to 15 percent of the products' market prices, capped at 2,000 yuan. The offers took effect on Dec 9.

Support will also be given to shopping malls and small businesses in organizing activities to spur consumption.

Zhuhai: Hengqin-Macao show of lights dazzles viewers

Right Here— an original light  projection show depicting the mutual growth and integration of Zhuhai's Hengqin development zone and the Macao Special Administrative Region — premiered on Dec 9 at the square fronting the Fire Services Bureau at Taipa in Macao. It enhances the Macao SAR's immersive light show entitled Light Up Macao 2022being staged until Jan 1.

Right Hereis the second collaborative project between the Livelihood Affairs Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone on Hengqin Island and the Macao Government Tourism Office. Compared to last year's first rendition, this year's show is more down-to-earth and festive, complete with immersive technology and fashion elements, taking visual and audio effects to the next level.

The projection of lights comprises three chapters, with each depicting artistic renderings of the scenic spots of Hengqin and Macao, livelihoods, as well as their culture, customs and heritage.

Foshan: 'Hong Kong People's Home' program launched

Foshan authorities launched the "Hong Kong People's Home" mini-program at a ceremony on Dec 7. The program offers member management, events registration and government services, and provides a life coaching handbook for Hong Kong residents in Chancheng District.

Foshan authorities said the "Hong Kong People's Home" program is to facilitate the exchange of information among members and provide more accurate services for Hong Kong people on the Chinese mainland.

Huizhou: AI hearing aids company gains national recognition

Noise-canceling hearing aids invented by Huizhou Jinghao Medical Technology Co have been shortlisted as "artificial intelligence medical equipment innovative projects" by the National Medical Products Administration.

The list of handpicked inventions includes AI-supported diagnosis products, AI-aided treatment equipment, AI monitoring and life support appliances, and five other categories of products. Nine companies in Guangdong province were shortlisted.

Established in 2011, Jinghao Medical Technology Co has made its name as a promoter of the avant-garde in high-tech medical equipment and healthcare amenities. It is playing a part in Huizhou's efforts to develop a modern industry cluster, focusing on the lifesciences and healthcare sector.

Dongguan: Two enterprises win smart manufacturing honors

Two Dongguan companies' projects have been listed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology as outstanding smart manufacturing projects of the year.

The honors went to the intelligent collaborative work and intelligent warehousing projects of Dongguan Golden Sun Abrasives Co, and the online operation monitoring system of Dongguan Nannar Electronic Technology Co.

Dongguan's equipment manufacturing industry has become the city's second-largest pillar industry. The city issued a plan earlier this year to support high-end equipment manufacturing. The goal is to make Dongguan an important base for high-end equipment manufacturing by 2025, and help the industry generate revenue of more than 540 billion yuan within three years.

Zhongshan: Billion-yuan fund set up to build talent platform

An investment fund of 1 billion yuan, contributed by the Zhongshan City High-Quality Development Fund of Funds and Guangdong Technology Financial Group, has been set up to build a comprehensive services platform for talents in Zhongshan city. Support will be provided for the construction of provincial-level reform and innovation experimental zones.

The fund will focus on the mobile internet, medical equipment and new-energy vehicle sectors.

It will offer equity investment support for scientific and technological innovation companies, startups and early-stage projects initiated by high-end talents, and empower deep integration among the innovation, industry, capital and talent chains.

Jiangmen: Pre-cooked food business picks up with competition

Thirteen catering enterprises in Jiangmen took part in the city's first pre-made food competition on Dec 10, with nearly 20 pre-cooked dishes brought to the table.

Development of the pre-cooked meals industry is gaining ground nationwide as more consumers, especially the younger generation, prefer the new mode of cooking as it's convenient and time-saving.

Jiangmen introduced 12 measures in March this year to promote the industry, including a plan to establish a research institute to drive the sector's growth.

Zhaoqing: New solar energy project fuels green development

A new solar photovoltaic power generation project kicked off on Dec 8 at a local power station at Zhaoqing's Fengkai county, adding momentum to the city's new energy industry and its transformation to green development.

The project, which converts sunlight into electricity, is expected to generate 1.46 million kilowatts of electricity annually. It could also help to reduce 1,155 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and save 463 tons of coal.