Hezhou New Area will be developed by the Zhuhai government to encompass Hezhou Island, the Hongwan-Free Trade Zone-Shizimen Central Business District, and Wanshan Archipelago and Hengqin Island sea areas.

The proposal is publicized in a tender for an overall development plan (2021-35) for Hezhou New Area. Expected to cost 6 million yuan ($943,200), the spatial layout and land use document is to support, extend, and coordinate with the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The submission deadline is Dec 31.

It has been tentatively decided that the region would cover 235 sq km (91 sq miles) of land, according to the bid-invitation extended by the Zhuhai Public Resource Trading Center. The tract would embrace Hengqin on the west and north sides.

The overall development plan must clarify the strategic significance, positioning, development goals, and spatial layout of Hezhou New Area. It should map out local innovative policies, management systems, reforms, regional cooperation, as well as modern industrial systems, infrastructure, and public services, and development of an "ecological civilization."

Hezhou New Area connects to Hong Kong and Macao by roadways and bridges. It is to support and work with the Hengqin zone, explore new-type Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao cooperation, boost construction of the Zhuhai-Macao Pole, and help develop the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's east and west wings.  

Zhuhai Free Trade Zone will be part of Hezhou New Area [Photo by Guan Mingrong / Nanfangplus]