China's State Council has released a plan to boost the high-quality development of a sci-tech innovation cooperation zone jointly developed by the southern tech hub Shenzhen and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

According to the plan, the Shenzhen section of the Hetao zone for science and technology innovation cooperation will seek coordinated development with the section in the HKSAR. The two complement each other with their respective strengths, making the cooperation zone a key engine for the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

By 2025, a mechanism will be established to support the scientific and technological innovation cooperation between the two regions, the plan states, as the reconstruction of the Huanggang checkpoint will be completed to speed up customs clearance procedures.

The plan also said the Shenzhen section will have a mature operation mechanism to keep a smooth connection with the HKSAR park in aspects including personnel and technology innovation cooperation. It also designed that the Shenzhen section attracts a number of lab clusters, research centers, and research and development centers of top firms, delivering key achievements through collaboration with the HKSAR.

By 2035, the Shenzhen section is expected to become a world-class research hub with innovation exchanges, supporting the development of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao sci-tech innovation corridor.

To this end, efforts will be made to coordinate with the HKSAR on promoting global sci-tech innovation, and to build an internationally competitive industrial base for the piloting and application of scientific achievements.

The plan also pledges to establish an internationalized scientific and technological innovation mechanism, as well as a platform to pool global wisdom and boost international exchange and cooperation.

（With input from Xinhua)