Framework Agreement on Cooperation Between Guangdong and Macao
To implement the Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta (2008-2020), the Hengqin Island Overall Development Plan, the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Mainland China and Macao (CEPA) and the supplementary protocols thereof; promote closer cooperation between Guangdong and Macao; and facilitate scientific development in Guangdong and adequate diversification of Macao’s economy, the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (hereinafter the Macao SAR) entered into this agreement after due discussion.
Chapter 1
General Principles
Following the guiding principle of “One country, two systems”, the Parties to this agreement shall promote closer cooperation between Guangdong and Macao; facilitate integrated development of the economy, society, culture and lifestyle; enhance adequate diversification of Macao’s economy; cooperate in establishing the most dynamic and internationally competitive megalopolis in the Asia-Pacific region, with the aim of creating a world-class new economic area, and ultimately expedite regional economic integration.
Article 1
Positioning of Cooperation
1. The Parties shall establish a world famous travel and leisure destination. With Macao’s world-class travel and leisure centre playing the leading role, Zhuhai’s international business and leisure travel hub as the nodal point, and Guangdong’s tourism resources as the bedrock, the Parties shall leverage on the abundant resources for historical and cultural tourism in Guangdong and Macao, enrich the content of Macao’s tourism industry, and develop comprehensive tourism services with diversified themes and features.
2. The Parties shall create a new platform for upgrading industries in Guangdong and Macao. Employing Macao’s international commerce and trade service platform, in line with the transformation of Guangdong’s industries and the “Reaching out” strategy, the Parties will tap into qualityresources within and outside the country, in order to strengthen the momentum for adequate diversification of Macao’s economy, and enhance cooperation between the Greater Pearl River Delta Region and the EU, ASEAN and Portuguese-speaking countries.
3. The Parties shall conduct a feasibility study on establishing a pilot area for a new approach to cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. The Parties shall expedite the development of Hengqin, explore a new approach to cooperation, promote synergy between Zhuhai and Macao, inter-connect cross-border infrastructure, and enhance the flow of factors of production within the region. The Parties shall enhance linkages among public service systems in society, promote sharing of service resources, and construct a liveable and convenient high quality community with advanced management services.
4. The Parties shall expand the scope of adequate diversification of Macao’s economy. Macao’s competitive industries, such as tourism, shall be bolstered through closer cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, and the joint development of Hengqin. The Parties shall develop emerging industries including Chinese medicine, convention and exhibition, and cultural and creative industries; develop sectors with great potential such as education and training; promote collaboration between industries, mobility of regional talents and linkages among public services, to create the fundamental conditions for adequate diversification of Macao’s economy and increase the opportunities for expansion.
Article 2
Basic Principles
1. To facilitate scientific development of Guangdong and push forward with Macao’s adequate economic diversification and sustainable development based on equal-footing negotiations, mutual benefits and complementary advantages.
2. To enhance innovation of systems and explore new approaches to cooperation between Guangdong and Macao by initiating pilot projects, making breakthroughs and conducting step-by-step promotions.
3. To facilitate the convenient flow of factors of production, optimise allocation of resources, and advance the integration of Guangdong and Macao through better planning, reasonable connections and synergistic development.
Article 3
Key Objectives
1. By 2015, the cross-border infrastructure network shall be basically complete, with substantial achievements in the development of Hengqin. The synergistic development between Zhuhai and Macao shall be fully functional. Significant results are expected in the establishment of a quality living area and regional integrated development. The urban conurbation on the western bank of the Pearl River Estuary shall be basically complete, and the preliminary results of adequate diversification of Macao’s economy will be evident.
2. By 2020, the fundamental layout of regional integration shall be established; the world famous travel and leisure destination shall be basically formed; the upgrade of regional industries shall yield remarkable results. The linkage between public service systems of Guangdong and Macao shall be established. The world-class megalopolis in the Greater Pearl River Delta Region shall be formed, laying the foundation for adequate diversification of Macao’s economy.
Chapter 2
Joint Development of Hengqin
The Parties shall realise the relevant policies and measures of the Hengqin Island Overall Development Plan; explore new approaches to cooperation between Guangdong and Macao; attract high-end business resources within and outside China, Hong Kong and Macao; work closely to develop new fundamental industries; facilitate industrial development on the western bank of the Pearl River Estuary; and increase the opportunities for adequate diversification of Macao’s economy.
Article 1
Joint Participation
1. Zhuhai shall take the key role in developing Hengqin, explore innovations to systems, and facilitate implementation of plans and policies. It shall cooperate with Macao in attracting funds and investments, and persistently expand into international markets. Connections to Macao’s social management and public services shall be strengthened. Policy research shall be conducted on Macao citizens working and living across the border.
2. The Macao SAR Government shall study and roll out initiatives to fully participate in developing Hengqin in various aspects, such as provision of funding, expertise and industrial support. It shall focus on the development of Guangdong-Macao industrial parks and tourism-related projects, and shall proactively formulate supportive social welfare policies related to Macao citizens working or living across the border.
3. A mechanism shall be established for coordinating the joint development of Hengqin by Guangdong and Macao, and for putting forward proposals on major issues related to the development of Hengqin. Direct communication on specific cooperation projects between Hengqin new district and the Macao SAR Government shall be encouraged.
Article 2
Hierarchical Management
1. “First level management” shall be implemented at the Hengqin-Macao border checkpoint, which is responsible for the screening and clearance of travellers and vehicles crossing the border as well as the inspection of luggage and goods carried by these travellers and vehicles. Both Parties shall strive for 24-hour border crossing at Hengqin checkpoint.
2. The control point between Hengqin and mainland China shall implement “second level management”. Its key responsibilities shall be customs inspection and supervision, such as the declaration and clearance of goods, and inspection of luggage and goods carried by border-crossing individuals and vehicles.
3. Both Parties shall be committed to offering maximum convenience for border-crossing individuals and their goods, as well as Macao citizens commuting to or living in Hengqin.
Article 3
Key Industrial Zones
1. According to the requirements of the Hengqin Island Overall Development Plan, Guangdong and Macao will jointly construct an industrial zone with an area of approximately five square kilometres, within Hengqin’s functional districts for creative industries, scientific research and advanced technology.The Macao SAR Government shall coordinate with the business sector in Macao to participate in the construction. Emphasis shall be placed on the development of Chinese medicine, creative industries, education and training, with a view to encouraging Macao citizens to work at the zone and promote diversified development of industries and employment in Macao.
2. Guangdong and Macao shall jointly construct the Chinese Medicine Industrial Park as the launch project for the Guangdong-Macao industrial zone. The park shall integrate Guangdong’s advantages in Chinese medicine, education, scientific research and expertise in the industry with the technological capability and human resources of Macao, to attract large domestic and foreign enterprises in the pharmaceutical industry to locate their head offices in the park. The park aims to become an integrated base for the Chinese medicine industry worldwide, which includes Chinese medicines, health supplements, technology transformation, research and development of healthcare products, and exhibitions and logistics, as well as an international trading platform for indigenous eco-friendly herbs and quality healthcare products.
3. The Parties shall expedite the construction of Hengqin’s resort centre, to fully utilise the resources of Hengqin island’s ecology and landscapes. The Parties shall cooperate in developing quality leisure tourism projects, and introduce Macao’s hospitality education and training institutions to the region, to facilitate employment of Macao’s tourism and hospitality professionals in Hengqin.
4. The Parties shall cooperate in establishing the Hengqin cultural and creative district, to attract domestic and overseas talents in the cultural and creative industries, skills, and funding. The Parties shall jointly develop cultural products related to visual arts, visual and audio production, pop music, comics and animation, graphic design, advertising and publishing, to forge a unique industrial zone.
5. The Parties shall raise the profile of Hengqin’s central business district, and extend the functions of Macao’s regional platform for commercial services into Hengqin, in order to expand Macao’s space for commercial services development, and broaden the scope of employment for commercial services personnel in Macao.
Article 4
Auxiliary Policy
1. The Parties shall expedite the establishment of an economic management system that is congruous with the development of Hengqin new district and compatible with Macao’s free port policy, and collectively implement the specific policies stipulated in the Hengqin Island Overall Development Plan.
2. Macao citizens working or living in Hengqin shall be subject to the labour, employment and social security systems of mainland China. Macao citizens working in Hengqin shall enjoy tax deductions in accordance with the regulations set out in the Individual Income Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China.
3. The Parties shall push forward with financial innovations in Hengqin, and guide and encourage financial institutions from Macao and mainland China to set up back offices in Hengqin. The Parties shall initiate trial projects for industry investment funds, and encourage eligible institutions from both Macao and mainland China to jointly establish Hengqin industrial investment funds. The Parties shall explore the possibility of developing two-way exchanges of Renminbi (RMB) to Macao patacas and Hong Kong dollars, providing each exchange is within a limited amount under the name of an individual. The Parties shall attempt to promote the use of financial IC cards with multiple currencies in Hengqin.
4. The Parties shall support Hengqin becoming a demonstration city for outsourcing services under the state’s preferential policy. Subject to approval by the State Council, service enterprises with advanced technology recognised by Hengqin shall be entitled to the state’s current preferential tax policy.
Chapter 3
Synergistic Development of Industries
To establish an internationally competitive group of industries, the Parties shall fully exploit the region’s overall advantages, coordinate with each other to formulate the strategy for the synergistic development of industries of Guangdong and Macao, deepen the scope of implementation of CEPA, facilitate the diversified industrial development of Macao, and improve the employment system.
Article1
Tourism
1. The Parties shall support their tourism enterprises with expanding the scope of cooperation, and establish branch offices in one another’s place. Integration of tourism capital from both Parties shall be encouraged, with an aim of establishing regional tourism conglomerates.
2. The Parties shall jointly promote the strategy of “multi-destination tours” and introduce the world heritage route “Historic Centre of Macao – Kaiping Watchtowers – Shaoguan’s Mount Danxia” as a select itinerary. Quality tourism projects related to culture and history, leisure, conventions and exhibitions, medical tourism and cruise liner tours shall be developed, to establish a diverse mix of tourism products with various themes and features serving both ends of the market.
3. The Parties shall improve barrier-free access in tourist attractions, jointly establish a marketing network for tourism products, and expand into overseas tourism markets to attract tourists from all over the world and share the international tourist base.
4. The Parties shall study measures to simplify border checks, transportation and payment for citizens in Guangdong and Macao. Both Parties shall study promoting the issuance and use of travel and leisure cards and bank cards by Guangdong citizens in Macao, to settle payments for travel-related services. Zhuhai’ s island travel shall be gradually developed. Studies shall be conducted on convenient ways for Macao citizens to travel to the islands in Zhuhai.
5. The Parties shall establish a coordination system for tourism market supervision and complaints handling, share information on the regulation of the tourism market, introduce a travel alert system, develop tourism with integrity, provide guidance for enterprises and workers in the industry to set a standard for their services, improve the quality of tourism services, and protect tourists’ interests.
6. The Parties shall jointly draw up a tourism cooperation plan, formulate a long-term development strategy for regional tourism, promote transformation of tourism cooperation from market cooperation to comprehensive cooperation that includes training and establishing industry standards. The Parties shall intensify cooperation in the development of tourism products, quality control, joint promotion, information sharing, negotiations and communications, and convenient border crossing. The regional tourism market shall be developed, to form a regional tourism brand and create a world famous travel and leisure destination.
Article 2
Conventions and Exhibitions
1. The Parties shall strengthen the strategic alliance between Guangdong and Macao exhibition associations, and discuss the synergistic development strategy for the conventions and exhibitions industry. The Parties shall co-organise world-renowned exhibitions and comprehensive exhibitions, and form a group of exhibition hosts that complement each other by hosting exhibitions of different scales and types, and with different target exhibitors. The Parties shall jointly promote the Greater Pearl River Delta as a host of international exhibitions, and expand into the markets of the EU, ASEAN and Portuguese-speaking countries.
2. The Parties shall lead their conventions and exhibitions associations or organisations to form an alliance, formulate regulations and standards for the industry in Guangdong and Macao, improve coordination regarding protection of intellectual property rights for conventions and exhibitions in Guangdong and Macao, exchange or jointly prepare information about the convention and exhibition industry, coordinate exhibition schedules, promote co-organised exhibitions and featured exhibitions, and encourage enterprises to participate in different exhibitions.
3. The Parties shall develop a cooperation platform with multiple levels, fields and complementary advantages for exhibitions in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. The Parties shall support Macao’s exhibition industry with establishing offices in Guangdong for hosting exhibitions and conventions as cross-border service providers. The Parties shall support the convention and exhibition industries in Guangdong and Macao with cooperating in capital financing and brand building, encourage the establishment of branch venues of Guangdong brand exhibitions in Macao, and develop small and medium-sized professional exhibitions.
4. The Parties shall facilitate the development of complementary and divergent convention and exhibition industries. Concurrent exhibitions, joint exhibitions, touring exhibitions, combinations of international conferences and commercial exhibitions, and auxiliary seminars and forums for international exhibitions shall be hosted. International professional exhibitions shall be developed, to establish a world famous brand for the exhibition industry.
5. The Parties shall promote cross-border mobility of personnel in the exhibition industry from Guangdong and Macao, and implement convenient customs clearance for exhibits being transported from Guangdong to Macao.
The Parties shall assist Macao’s exhibition service providers with opening foreign exchange accounts in Guangdong, and encourage the use of RMB to settle payments for cross-border transactions of exhibition services.
Article 3
Chinese Medicine Industry
1. The Parties shall optimise the mechanism for cooperation between Guangdong and Macao regarding the Chinese medicine industry, and study the policies and initiatives supporting development of the industry. Such development shall cover the mechanism for cooperation in Chinese medicine industry from industrial, commercial and exhibition aspects. Macao’s links to overseas markets shall be utilised by facilitating cooperation between domestic and foreign research institutions and renowned enterprises on high quality projects to build premier brands for the industry.
2. The Parties shall jointly develop ready-made Chinese medicines that conform to the characteristics and features of Chinese medicine, and establish industry standards for inspections. The Parties shall offer support to Macao for the establishment of key laboratories and inspection centres for Chinese medicine, facilitate the construction of joint laboratories, enhance technological cooperation and research on quality standards, and strive to improve the quality of premium Chinese medicines and prepared Chinese herbal slices.
3. The Parties shall enhance cooperation in establishing standards for Chinese medication services, promotion and application of intellectual property rights, strengthen the relevant certification system and brand building, raise the competitiveness of the Chinese medicine industry in the international market, develop global trade in Chinese medication services, and expand into the markets of the EU, ASEAN and Portuguese-speaking countries.
4. The Parties shall intensify cooperation in personnel training, facilitate cooperation among tertiary institutions of Guangdong and Macao in formulating plans for training personnel for the Chinese medicine industry, and projects for training Chinese medicine personnel in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. The Parties shall also organise joint seminars and forums regarding the development of the Chinese medicine industry.
5. The Parties shall leverage on the special advantages of the Chinese medicine industry, promote appropriate technologies for Chinese medicine, develop healthcare services using Chinese medicine, and jointly establish a network comprising disease prevention, medical treatment, healthcare and rehabilitation services based on Chinese medicine.
Article 4
Cultural and Creative Industries
1. The Parties shall advocate interaction and mutual benefits between the strategy for developing Guangdong into a key province for cultural activities, and Macao’s strategy for boosting development of its cultural industry. The system for cooperation between the two Parties regarding the cultural and creative industries shall be optimised. The Parties shall also formulate development plans and supporting policies for cultural and creative industries, support the construction of cultural facilities, foster cultural and creative talents, and promote marketing and industrial production of cultural products.
2. Enterprises in Macao shall be encouraged to invest in cultural industry zones in Guangdong such as the Southern Filming Base and the Southern Cultural Industrial Zone in Zhuhai and the Guangdong Animation City. Guangdong’s cultural enterprises shall be encouraged to invest in Macao, while the two sides shall work in harmony to establish renowned cultural enterprises that are highly competitive in the international market, and have their own intellectual property rights.
3. The Parties shall expand the cultural consumer market. Leveraging on the history and culture, as well as the performing arts resources of Guangdong and Macao, the Parties shall develop more attractive cultural products, establish a cultural brand representing the culture of Lingnan (south China) and fusion of Chinese and Western cultures, and establish international cultural organisations.
4. The Parties shall support cooperation in the cultural service industry, and establish a marketing network for broadcasting television programmes on performing arts. Cooperation between television corporations from Guangdong and Macao on producing television programmes and animation shall be encouraged.
Article 5
Finance
1. The Parties shall expedite the development of RMB business in Macao, jointly facilitate an RMB settlement scheme for cross-border trade, and seek to promote the settlement of payments in RMB for investment transactions between Guangdong and Macao. The Parties shall leverage on the advantage of Macao’s close economic relationship with Portuguese-speaking countries and the EU to expand the overseas regions where RMB can be used to settle payments.
2. The Parties shall support financial institutions in Guangdong and Macao with establishing cross-border branches in one another’s jurisdictions. Eligible Macao banks shall be encouraged to establish corporate entities and branches in Guangdong, to be involved in establishing modern financial institutions or organisations such as rural banks and credit companies pursuant to the laws, and to hold equity interests in local financial entities. Financial entities in Guangdong shall be encouraged to establish branches and representative offices in Macao.
3. Banks in Guangdong and Macao shall be encouraged to provide consortium loans for constructing major cross-border infrastructure projects, and support eligible financial institutions and enterprises of Macao with participating in the pilot project for chartered exchanges of domestic and foreign currencies by individuals in Guangdong, through establishing or sharing interests in local corporate entities of Guangdong Province. Innovations in and cooperation on insurance products shall be enhanced, and collaboration in insurance businesses shall be strengthened. The Parties shall initiate the cross-border centralised receipt and payment business of Guangdong and Macao; and support the cross-border use of multi-purpose prepaid cards for small transactions.
4. The Parties shall, pursuant to commercial principles and within the scope expressly permitted by both Parties’ laws and regulations, support mainland China enterprises in Macao with obtaining financing by pledging their assets in mainland China. The Parties shall support Macao enterprises incorporated in Guangdong with using the assets of the enterprises or their legal representatives in Macao as collaterals for securing loans from banks in Guangdong Province. Eligible Macao enterprises incorporated and operating in Guangdong shall be permitted to issue debt financing instruments, including corporate bonds, short term debentures and mid-term notes in the mainland China inter-bank market.
5. The Parties shall optimise the system for financial cooperation and liaison between Guangdong and Macao, and jointly facilitate the construction of cross-border financial infrastructure. Cooperation on financial supervision in the two regions, cross-border anti-money counterfeiting, anti-money laundering and crackdowns on bank card frauds shall be intensified, to clamp down on cross-border financial crimes.
6. The Parties shall facilitate cooperation between financial training institutions and talents, hold financial summits, enhance cooperation in financial research, and foster intellectual cooperation on finance.
Article 6
Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
1. The Parties shall implement initiatives to facilitate the domestic sale of processed products, offer support to Macao enterprises for expanding the mainland China market, establish a marketing and logistics system in mainland China, and create brands for domestic sales. Macao enterprises shall be given support for extending their business chains, while eligible Macao enterprises shall be encouraged to invest and develop in the industrial transfer zone in Guangdong.
2. The Parties shall assist the small and medium-sized enterprises of their regions with introducing advanced technology and management experts to their operations, developing high value-added projects, and cooperate in developing brand management for expanding external markets.
3. The Parties shall increase support for Macao enterprises in Guangdong, and allow Macao enterprises in Guangdong that sell their products in the domestic market to apply for recognition and well-known trademarks in Guangdong Province.
4. The Parties shall facilitate cooperation between logistics enterprises, optimise the mechanism for cooperation in the logistics industry, provide assistance for Macao’s enterprises that seek cooperation in investment in Guangdong, such as for port logistics business, third party logistics business and logistics information systems.
5. In principle, Guangdong’s policies for supporting to the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises shall also apply to Macao’s small and medium-sized enterprises in Guangdong.
Article 7
Business Environment
1. The Parties’ relevant authorities shall be encouraged to foster exchanges and enhance mutual understanding on verifying qualifications and standards of professionals. A feasibility study on “One examination for certification by three Parties” shall be conducted. Mutual support between pools of human resources and sharing of human resources information shall be fostered.
2. A taskforce shall be formed to coordinate the modification, supervision and implementation of technology standards in Guangdong and Macao. The Parties shall discuss, establish and implement the industry standards for industries including tourism, conventions and exhibitions, and logistics. Cooperation in the standardisation of urban planning, development and management shall be facilitated. The Parties shall facilitate the establishment of a Macao branch by Guangdong’s state testing centre, or jointly establish a public testing service platform.
3. An intellectual property rights taskforce shall be formed, to establish a sound coordination system for communication and law enforcement concerning intellectual property rights. The Parties shall establish a regional intellectual property rights protection system, to jointly clamp down on cross-border infringement activities, improve the Intellectual Property Database for Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, support communications and cooperation between institutions of intermediary services for intellectual property; and encourage Macao citizens to obtain qualifications as patent agents in mainland China.
4. The Parties shall jointly expand international markets, attract foreign investments and launch trade promotion in overseas markets, with a view to establishing an information network for the Greater Pearl River Delta. The Parties shall assist Guangdong enterprises with expanding in overseas markets via Macao, by utilising Macao’s platform for Sino-Portuguese commercial services. The Parties shall thereby enhance economic and trade links between the Greater Pearl River Delta and the EU, ASEAN and Portuguese-speaking countries.
5. Operating within the current policy framework, the Parties shall facilitate the transformation of the Zhuhai-Macao Cross-border Industrial Zone by focusing on the development of modern service industries, such as high-end logistics, exhibitions and expositions, intermediary trading and service outsourcing, in order to establish a modern logistics and commercial zone.
Chapter 4
Infrastructure and Convenient Border Crossing
The Parties shall coordinate the planning, construction and operation of cross-border infrastructure; formulate measures for convenient border crossing; facilitate convenient interflow of traffic, goods, capital and information; and promote regional integration to reinvigorate the adequate diversification of Macao’s economy.
Article1
Transportation
1. The Parties shall enhance railway construction and linkages, expedite construction of the Guangzhou-Zhuhai intercity railway project, and assess the possibility of extending the railway connections to Hengqin. The Parties shall also facilitate the connection between the Macao Light Rapid Transit System (LRT) and Guangzhou-Zhuhai intercity railway in Hengqin, and conduct a feasibility study on developing a cross-river underpass between Wanzai in Zhuhai and Barra LRT station in Macao.
2. The Parties shall expedite the construction of highways and auxiliary projects, facilitate the planning and construction of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Western Expressway and extension of the Yuehuan-Nanping section of the Western Coastal Expressway, with a view to forming seamless connections with railways, and create a land transport network that offers maximum convenience for interchanges between different means of transportation. The Parties shall improve the linkage between the urban public transportation of Zhuhai and Macao, and establish direct connections between public transport systems.
3. The Parties shall improve the mechanism of the joint committee for regional airports; attempt to obtain the state’s support for expanding the accessible area of the Greater Pearl River Delta air traffic zone; exploit the advantages of Macao’s multi-purpose medium-sized international airport to improve coordination with connecting flights to Zhuhai airport; study the possible launch of helicopter flights between Macao and certain cities in Guangdong; deepen commercial cooperation between Guangdong and Macao’s airports in relation to city terminals, investments, sales networks and business expansion; and consider cooperation in airport equity.
4. The Parties shall coordinate the development of maritime transport between Guangdong and Macao; commence coordination of work to renovate the Cross Gate channel; optimise the layout of the infrastructure for maritime transport; support cooperation between Zhanjiang’s deepwater port and Macao’s free port; and consider cooperating in developing and planning maritime passenger transport services.
Article 2
Water, Electricity and Gas Supplies
1. The Parties shall jointly facilitate the development of Dateng Gorge Water Management Project; foster the development and management of Zhuyin Water Resources Project in Zhuhai; and enhance connections for integrating the water supply systems in Zhuhai and Macao and the urban water supply systems in Zhuhai, Zhongshan and Jiangmen. The Parties shall conduct a feasibility study on building a water supply pipe for Macao’s COTAI area via Hengqin, optimise water supply facilities in Zhuhai and Macao, and increase the storage capacity and stability of supply from the Zhuhai-Macao water system, with a view to securing the water supply for Macao and jointly facilitating the establishment of a water-saving society.
2. The Parties shall facilitate cooperation on planning and constructing energy infrastructure of Guangdong and Macao, amend the Study on the Plan for Power Supply to Macao via China Southern Power Grid (2010-2020), facilitate the construction of power cables connecting to Macao, discuss the enhancement of joint electricity transmission networks, and secure Macao’s electricity supply. The Parties shall study the power supply programme for the campus of the University of Macau on Hengqin Island, and the electricity service programme for consumers within the region.
3. The Parties shall expedite construction of the Gaolan Port LNG project, expand the scale of natural gas supplies from the South China Sea to neighbouring Hengqin and Macao, and establish connections to the major natural gas networks in Guangdong Province.
Article 3
Information Network
1. The Parties shall raise the level of the infrastructure for information and communication networks in Guangdong and Macao; promote the application and market penetration of information technology; and enhance cooperation in supervising telecommunications and guaranteeing emergency communications.
2. The Parties shall explore the new model for cooperation between Guangdong and Macao telecommunications businesses, encourage telecommunications enterprises of Guangdong and Macao to cooperate in developing telecommunications businesses in accordance with the laws; and recommend that Guangdong and Macao telecommunications enterprises reduce the long-distance and mobile phone roaming charges for calls between Guangdong and Macao.
3. The Parties shall negotiate on wireless signal coverage issues connected to key projects and regions; coordinate radio frequencies at the border; and reasonably utilise the frequency spectrum.
4. The Parties shall promote exchanges regarding standardisation of information technology; seek opinions on the framework for mutual recognition of certificates for electronic signatures; and initiate mutual recognition of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao electronic certificates in Hengqin.
5. The Parties shall enhance cooperation in constructing an electronic commercial platform; jointly promote the use of RFID technology; establish a shared commercial information service platform; and optimise services such as customs clearance, payment and tax collection.
6. The Parties shall encourage the open sharing of public technology service platforms such as software testing, design of integrated circuits and digital entertainment, to promote cooperation in the software and information services industries.
Article 4
Border Crossing
1. The Parties shall expedite the revamp and expansion of the Gongbei Border Checkpoint, and re-engineer the functions of the checkpoint at Zhuhai-Macao Cross-border Industrial Zone, by redirecting vehicles transporting fresh products to Macao via Gongbei to the designated checkpoint at the cross-border industrial zone. The Parties shall expedite the second level planning and development of Hengqin Border Checkpoint; allow interconnection between the checkpoint in Zhuhai and Macao via Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge; enhance coordination between the two Parties regarding the planned layout, related work and retrofitting of control points; and strengthen the control points’ comprehensive auxiliary service functions.
2. The Parties shall establish a new model for border crossing, and consider customs clearance for goods via a single control point. The operating hours of border checkpoints shall be gradually extended, with the aim of achieving round-the-clock border crossing at Gongbei Border Checkpoint. The Parties shall initiate centralised declaration and certification processes for Guangdong and Macao at the designated control point at Zhuhai-Macao Cross-border Industrial Zone.
3. The Parties shall discuss one-off management of border-crossing vehicles, stipulate and enforce regulations for managing Macao’s motor vehicles entering and exiting Hengqin (limited to vehicles travelling within Hengqin). The Parties shall explore and devise an easy way for people from Guangdong and Macao to obtain driving licences for small vehicles.
4. The Parties shall promote mutual reference to and recognition of customs inspection results; unify formats of customs information and data models; reduce duplicated inspections; and increase customs transit speeds for goods.
5. The Parties shall cooperate in setting technical standards for inspections and regulating inspection methods; and promote the establishment of a system for mutual recognition of inspection results and sharing of information, in order to shorten the time needed for customs clearance of goods.
Chapter 5
Social and Public Services
The Parties shall facilitate linkages among public services, promote sharing of social resources, jointly establish a high quality living area that provides a good living environment and adequate job opportunities, foster the flow of regional talents, and offer maximum convenience for border-crossing commuters of Guangdong and Macao.
Article 1
Education and Training
1. The Parties shall facilitate cooperation in tertiary education and scientific research; and develop the new campus of the University of Macau on Hengqin Island. The relevant authorities of the Macao SAR Government shall provide scholarships for Guangdong students studying at tertiary institutions in Macao, such as the University of Macau; increase mutual enrolment of students from Guangdong and Macao; facilitate mutual recognition of credit points at tertiary education institutions; jointly construct laboratories and research centres; and build up a platform for cooperation between industries, universities and research centres in Guangdong and Macao.
2. The Parties shall promote sharing of resources of kindergartens, primary and secondary schools between one another; initiate exchanges and cooperation in teacher training; and discuss measures related to facilitating border crossing and transport for students studying across the border. Over time, Macao shall provide school fee allowances for Macao children and students studying in Guangdong kindergartens and primary and secondary schools.
3. The Parties shall enhance cooperation in vocational education and training; jointly develop vocational training projects in fields such as tourism, hospitality, conventions and exhibitions and creative design; establish an exchange system for teachers of vocational education; and encourage education and training institutions in Macao and Guangdong to cooperate in launching vocational education and training programmes, with a view to cultivating professionals who have the skills and techniques required for developing industries in Macao and Guangdong in a comprehensive and systematic manner.
Article 2
Medical Service
1. The Parties shall further expand the market for medical services; support the establishment of hospitals and Chinese medicine and healthcare centres in the form of partnerships, joint ventures and sole proprietorships; push forward with cooperation in hospital management, exchange of scientific research techniques, and medical staff training.
2. The Parties shall devise a cooperation mechanism for medical institutions, and promote sharing of health resources and standardisation of medical services. The Parties shall enhance communications between medical institutions, optimise the patient referral system for citizens of Guangdong and Macao, and facilitate the mutual recognition of results of diagnoses by different hospitals.
Article 3
Public Health
1. The Parties shall improve the notification mechanism, joint prevention and joint control system for epidemic diseases; enhance emergency management and cooperation in the event of public health hazards; establish taskforces and expert panels; and strengthen information sharing and cooperative measures within the region during emergency management of public health incidents.
2. The Parties shall establish a communication and coordination system to enhance cooperation in food safety risk monitoring, assessment and alerts, and cooperation in setting food safety standards. The Parties shall improve the notification system concerning live animals and plants, food and farm produce; and strengthen co-investigations of food safety incidents and the tracing system for food safety issues, in order to improve the ability to handle food safety risks and emergencies.
3. The Parties shall explore a new model for safety inspections of food imported to Macao; cooperate in clamping down on illegal import and export activities; and impose quality and safety controls for Macao’s food and farm produce supply.
4. The Parties shall establish a system for cooperating in exchanges of information on supervising pharmaceutical safety and supervising law enforcement. Exchanges and cooperation regarding research and development, registration, manufacturing, distribution and testing of medicines shall be enhanced.
Article 4
Culture and Sports
1. The Parties shall facilitate cultural exchanges by cooperating in organising and holding influential, high quality cultural and arts activities; cultivate performing artists; and promote cultural undertakings. The Parties shall enhance exchanges in archaeology and heritage conservation techniques, and take joint action to protect tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
2. The Parties shall jointly develop a system for sharing cultural resources; establish a unified ticketing system and promote the sharing of resources of libraries, cultural centres, museums and arts centres. The Parties shall co-organise cultural exhibitions, exchange library resources, and facilitate the digitalisation, networking and modernisation of public cultural services.
3. The Parties shall facilitate exchanges and cooperation in sports; enhance the interflow of information and personnel training; promote exchanges between youth sports and popular sports; jointly boost levels of athletic skills; and work together to develop the sports industry.
Article 5
Environmental Protection
1. The Parties shall strictly manage water resources by jointly facilitating protection of Xijiang (West River) water resources and wetlands, resolving the river pollution at the border between Zhuhai and Macao, reforming the cooperation and management mechanisms for river basin management, and enhancing management of marine environments and pollution prevention in the region.
2. The Parties shall establish nature reserves and ecological corridors, construct a complete regional eco-system, and protect the ecotourism resources within the region. The Parties shall promote cooperation in identifying key areas for nature conservation and step up the construction of cross-border greenways in the Pearl River Estuary.
3. The Parties shall jointly establish an air quality monitoring network for the Pearl River Delta, and gradually implement stricter standards on emissions by motor vehicles and vessels. The Parties shall optimise the system for notifications of regional pollution and cooperation in pollution prevention, and improve coordination in the event of environmental incidents.
4. The Parties shall support the development of recycling and the environmental protection industry; facilitate the opening of markets for Guangdong and Macao environmental protection services; initiate cooperation in approving green production for hospitality enterprises; study co-organisation of exhibitions on environmental protection technology and international environmental protection; and facilitate cooperation in environmental protection between Guangdong and the EU, ASEAN, and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Article 6
Livelihoods and Welfare
1. The Parties shall establish a system for cooperation regarding Guangdong and Macao social security, and discuss solutions for the issue concerning social security for those people who have a job or reside across the border.
2. The Parties shall assist service providers from Macao in establishing social welfare organisations for the elderly and people with disabilities in Guangdong. These Macao service providers shall be subject to the same policies as their mainland China counterparts, while Macao shall further improve the social welfare policies related to Macao citizens living in Guangdong.
3. The Parties shall establish a system for cooperation regarding Guangdong-Macao labour relations and related monitoring issues; promote the sharing of information on employers’ compliance with labour laws; establish a system for regular visits and joint conferences by the two Parties; attract industry associations and chambers of commerce to participate in exchange activities and general law training; initiate training and cooperation in supervision and enforcement of labour laws; and enhance cooperation in enforcing laws connected to back wages by enterprises.
Article 7
Cooperation in Legal Issues and Security Management
1. The Parties shall establish a system for coordination and communication regarding Guangdong and Macao legal issues , set up an expert panel for discussions and cooperation related to the legal issues, and handle legal affairs that involve cooperation between the two Parties.
2. The Parties shall enhance exchanges and cooperation in the legal services industry, and consider the establishment of a system for cooperation on lawyers and notarisation affairs of Guangdong and Macao.
3. Under the framework of cooperation between the public security authorities of mainland China and Macao’s police force, the Parties shall optimise the direct contact, meeting and investigation channels for clamping down on cross-border crimes, with a view to enhancing the efficiency and ability to crack down on cross-border crimes.
4. The Parties shall facilitate cooperation in handling emergency incidents within the region, and improve the system for communications and information sharing, to ensure a shared platform for handling emergencies, and improve the ability to take joint action.
Chapter 6
Regional Cooperation Plans
The Parties shall expedite the implementation of plans for regional cooperation, such as “Quality living area”, “Infrastructure” and “Tourism cooperation”, as well as the preparation and implementation of the Study of the Action Plan for the Bay Area of the Pearl River Estuary. The Parties shall coordinate with each other to plan the development of the western bank of the Pearl River Delta, and exploit the regional synergy to promote integrated regional development.
Article 1
Development Plan for the Western Bank of the Pearl River Estuary
The Parties shall formulate the plan for developing Macao and the western bank of the Pearl River Estuary, coordinate the development targets and strategies for the urban cluster in the district – including Macao, Zhuhai, Zhongshan and Jiangmen. The Parties shall capitalise on Macao’s advantages as a world-famous tourism and entertainment centre and its commercial service platform, to push forward with the transformation, upgrading and expansion of industries; enhance cooperation in constructing and sharing infrastructure; facilitate the opening and complementary relationships between markets and sharing of resources; foster the integration of social and economic environments; and enhance cooperation in social welfare issues such as education, healthcare and retirement benefits, with a view to jointly establishing an urban area on the western bank of the Pearl River Estuary, and expanding the hinterland for the adequate diversification of Macao’s economy.
Article 2
Macao-Zhuhai Synergetic Development Plan
The Parties shall formulate the Macao-Zhuhai synergetic development plan; enhance coordination and planning related to urban planning, infrastructure, border crossing, public services, industrial layout and natural environment; jointly develop industries including tourism, exhibitions, cultural and creative industry, and education and training; facilitate connections among regional public services in society; enhance coordination in planning the new urban reclamation zone in Macao and the Cross Gate commercial zone in Zhuhai; jointly develop Hengqin; establish an international urban area with a decent natural environment, well-connected public services, support services for industries and convenient working and living environments in Zhuhai and Macao, with a view to increasing momentum for the adequate diversification of Macao’s economy.
Article 3
Plan for Cooperation Between Macao and Nansha, Guangzhou
The Parties shall exploit Guangzhou’s advantages in being an established major city of China; enhance cooperation between Macao and Nansha, Guangzhou, in planning industrial development; promote cooperation with Macao in cultural and creative industries, port logistics industry and Chinese medicine industry; establish a commercial service centre, technological innovation centre and education and training base that provide services for mainland China and have connections to Macao. The Parties shall jointly develop regional tourism and leisure projects, and devise routes for world-class cruise liners.
Article 4
Implementation of Cooperation Plans
The Parties shall establish a system for coordination and cooperation, to take joint action and implement plans for regional cooperation projects; establish a fully standardised policy support system; establish a regional planning information platform, and system for evaluating and monitoring the results of implementing plans; and encourage different sectors of society to participate in the planning and implementation process.
Chapter 7
Cooperation Mechanisms
The Parties shall adhere to the principle of “One country, two systems”; follow the basic regulations for regional cooperation; and improve and reinvigorate the system for cooperation between Guangdong and Macao.
Article 1
High Level Meetings
Senior Guangdong and Macao officials shall hold regular meetings to discuss major cooperation issues, reach strategic consensuses, formulate guidelines, and promote further cooperation.
Article 2
Joint Conference
1. The Parties shall optimise the system for the joint conferences on cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, and jointly study relevant cooperation projects and affairs to confirm the key tasks for the year.
2. The Parties shall establish or modify the relevant task forces for Guangdong-Macao cooperation, to enhance implementation and execution work.
3. The Parties shall establish a synergetic development system for the cities on the western bank of the Pearl River Estuary, such as Macao and Zhuhai, proceed with key cooperation projects, and enhance guidance and evaluation of outcomes.
Article 3
Operation Authorities
The Parties shall enhance the functions of the Guangdong-Macao cooperation liaison offices. The Guangdong liaison office shall be the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Guangdong Provincial Government, while Macao’s shall be the Office of the Chief Executive of the Government of the Macao SAR. These offices shall be responsible for work related to the meetings by senior officials and joint conferences between Guangdong and Macao, supervision and coordination of implementation of this agreement, and related cooperation issues.
Article 4
Consultation System
The Parties shall form a taskforce for studying the strategy for Guangdong-Macao development, and invite representatives of different sectors and experts from different fields to create a mechanism for interactions between government, industry and research institutes. The Parties shall formulate the development strategy for cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, enhance the consultation functions, and provide policy recommendations for Guangdong and Macao policy-makers.
Article 5
Non-governmental Cooperation
1. The Parties shall capitalise on the platform of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao cooperation promotion committee to support closer cooperation among the commercial and industrial sectors, professional service sector, academic circles and media industry of Guangdong and Macao.
2. The Parties shall assist the industrial associations of the two sides to launch training in and self-regulation of industries, jointly establish the industrial standards within the region, and promote the standardisation of the service market.
Chapter 8
Miscellaneous
Article 1
Term of the Agreement
This agreement shall remain effective from the day of signing to 31 December 2020.
Article 2
Implementation of the Agreement
The Parties shall propose the key tasks for the year under this agreement on an annual basis and shall jointly or individually, as the case may be, implement the tasks following negotiation and discussion by the two Parties.
Article 3
Amendment
This agreement shall be amended following mutual negotiation and agreement.
Article 4
Entry into Force
1. This agreement shall take effect from the day of signing by the representative of each Party.
2. This agreement is drafted in Chinese in duplicate.
3. This agreement is duly signed on March 6th 2011, in Beijing.