Development of the Lok Ma Chau loop area was a hot topic discussed during a panel discussion of the Fifth Session of the Sixth Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). About 20 proposals concerning this topic were put forward at the session, according to a report in the Shenzhen Economic Daily.
Political advisers suggested forging a “future city” in this area to develop strategic emerging industries, invite research institutes from top universities and build Shenzhen-Hong Kong technological innovation special cooperation zone into a research cluster.
Earlier in 2011, Shenzhen and Hong Kong signed a cooperation contract, agreeing to jointly develop the area and share the achievements. Since then, various kinds of measures and plans have been proposed.
In September 2018, Shenzhen’s development and reform commission issued a development plan for the Shenzhen-Hong Kong technological innovation special cooperation zone between 2018 and 2035, which stipulated that microelectronics, artificial intelligence (AI), biological medicine and new materials will be the key industries in the future.
Preparations for this plan have been launched in the cooperation zone, the Daily report said.
“Hong Kong has advantages in scientific research and talent cultivation, while Shenzhen’s strength is producing real results, which makes the cooperation necessary,” said Sun Nan, a political adviser in Shenzhen.
In a proposal put forward by the Shenzhen Municipal Party Committee of the China National Democratic Construction Association, advisers deemed it necessary to create an optimal environment for industries to develop further.
They advised equipping the area with the high-tech facilities that the science and technology industry will need while building the infrastructure.
Another eight members jointly proposed building a Shenzhen-Hong Kong innovative economic belt along the Shenzhen River and form a China (Shenzhen) pilot free trade zone along with the Qianhai and Shekou Area of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone.