CPPCC spokesperson: 'One-hour living circle' formed in Greater Bay Area

A "one-hour living circle" has been formed in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area thanks to the implementation of multiple policies. The number of cars from Hong Kong and Macao entering and leaving the Chinese mainland through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has increased significantly, said Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), on Sunday.

Liu made the remarks during a press conference held by the CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body.

The Greater Bay Area has become a strategic fulcrum of the new development pattern, a demonstration zone for high-quality development and a leader in Chinese modernization, said Liu.

The total economic output of the Greater Bay Area exceeds 13 trillion yuan (about $1.8 trillion), and its patent capacity ranks first among the four major bay areas in the world, making it one of the most promising growth poles in the world, he noted.

The committee has always been concerned about the economic and social development of Hong Kong and Macao, and has discussed policies on the development of the Greater Bay Area through various forms, he said.

In 2023, the committee offered suggestions on accelerating the integration of the Greater Bay Area market, optimizing the cross-border compliance system for financial data and promoting the construction of industrial digitalization.

Also, the committee members from Hong Kong and Macao visited many places in Guangdong Province to seek cooperation and development opportunities, Liu added.

(Cover: The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. /CFP)