The State Council approved an overall development plan for the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, Guangdong province, according to an official reply released on Dec 13.

More effective measures will be taken in a coordinated manner to promote in-depth cooperation between Guangdong province and the Macao SAR, vigorously develop new industries that promote appropriate diversification of Macao's economy, accelerate the construction of a more livable home that facilitates the life and employment of Macao residents, and strive to build a new system featuring high-level integrated opening-up for Guangdong province and Macao.

The Guangdong government is urged to strengthen communication and coordination with Macao. With stronger support, the government is supposed to offer a solid guarantee for the planning and construction of the cooperation zone. The cooperation zone’s management committee should strengthen overall coordination, improve the efficiency of decision-making, and effectively fulfill its due responsibility in the cooperation zone’s development.