The Gaolan Port Integrated Free Trade Zone in Jinwan District is to open by February engaging in high-end manufacturing, modern logistics, international trade, and innovative service industries.

The scope was announced at an investment promotion conference on July 30. Attending were 400 government officials and industrial association and enterprise representatives from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.

Covering 2.5 sq km (1 sq mile), the free trade zone was approved by the State Council last February. It will be operated by state-owned development companies under administrative committee leadership and customs supervision. 

Container-stacking [Photo by Guan Mingrong / Nanfang Daily]

Encompassed are centers of high-end equipment manufacture, logistics distribution, R&D and design, testing and maintenance, and sales and service, and will boast international influence and competitiveness, according to Zhao Shijian, director of the Gaolan Port Economic Zone.

It will focus on bonded processing, while also engaging in bonded logistics and services, and cross-border e-commerce. One-stop public services including administrative examination and approval, customs clearance, and supply of water, electricity and gas will be provided to all its enterprises.

The goal is to build the zone into an international business and trade logistics center in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It will benefit from proximity to Gaolan Port, Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao and upcoming Huangmao Sea Channel bridges, and Hengqin Free Trade Zone.

Also envisioned are roles in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao sci-tech achievement and high-end industrial transformation and upgrade on the west bank of the Pearl River.