ENG-2012 — Page 49

1

Constitution and Administration

between the two places in 2014, and expediting implementation of the Framework Agreement. The two sides also agreed to enhance co-operation in various areas, such as commerce and trade, financial services, technology, cross-boundary infrastructure, travel facilitation, cross- boundary clearance, environmental protection, education, and culture.

The development of Qianhai and Nansha are key areas of Hong Kong/Guangdong co- operation. In June, the Central People's Government (CPG) announced its 'Policies for Development and Opening-up of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co- operation Zone, including preferential policies in areas such as market liberalisation and taxation. These policies outline the business opportunities that Qianhai's development may bring. The HKSAR Government's goal is to assist Hong Kong's business sector in taking advantage of the opportunities arising from Qianhai's development to expand their businesses in the Mainland and, at the same time, contribute to national development through Hong Kong's strengths in service industries.

As regards Nansha's development, the CPG approved in September the 'Plan for the Development of Nansha New District of Guangzhou, setting out the development directions for Nansha.

In 2012, Hong Kong and Shenzhen also made progress on co-operation in various areas, including cross-boundary infrastructure, immigration clearance arrangements, financial services, trade, environmental protection, and combating illegal parallel trading activities.

The HKSAR Government also strengthened co-operation with the municipalities of Shanghai and Beijing. At the Hong Kong-Shanghai Economic and Trade Co-operation Conference in Shanghai in January, the two sides reached consensus in nine co-operation areas including commerce, trade and investment; financial services; civil aviation, maritime transport and logistics, etc. Both sides also signed four co-operation agreements on commerce and trade, culture, civil service exchange, and hospital management. In November, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR and the visiting acting Mayor of Beijing witnessed the signing of three co-operation agreements covering culture, food safety and hospital management.

The Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Region comprises nine provinces/autonomous regions of the Mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao SARS and the HKSAR Government's participation in the PPRD Co-operation and Development Forum in Hainan in November/December helped reinforce multilateral co-operation in various areas.

The Greater Pearl River Delta Business Council discusses issues related to regional co-operation in the delta. To encourage Hong Kong businesses to take part in the development of Qianhai and Nansha, the council organised a site visit and seminars on the relevant policies and preferential measures. A study by the council also made recommendations to the business sector, business associations, supporting organisations and the Guangdong and Hong Kong Governments on how Hong Kong businesses could leverage their experience in developing overseas markets to tap into the Pearl River Delta market.

21