Hong Kong Urged to Proactively Remove Barriers with Shenzhen Amid New Leadership
Analysts are urging Hong Kong to adopt a more proactive stance in eliminating barriers that hinder the cross-border flow of people, capital, goods, and data with neighboring Shenzhen. This call for action follows the recent appointment of Jin Lei as Shenzhen’s Communist Party chief, succeeding Meng Fanli, who has moved to become the governor of Guangdong province. Jin Lei, an economist with a background in Sichuan province, has signaled a fresh push for deeper integration during his first month in office by conducting high-profile visits to key joint projects, including the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone. His arrival aligns with Beijing’s strategic initiative to accelerate the Northern Metropolis megaproject under China’s 15th five-year plan (2026-2030). Announced in 2021, this scheme aims to transform 30,000 hectares of border land into a dual engine for economic growth and housing. The developments highlight a significant political and economic shift towards strengthening ties between the two cities, driven by new leadership and national development goals.
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Hong Kong Urged to Proactively Remove Barriers with Shenzhen Amid New Leadership
Analysts are urging Hong Kong to adopt a more proactive stance in eliminating barriers that hinder the cross-border flow of people, capital, goods, and data with neighboring Shenzhen. This call for action follows the recent appointment of Jin Lei as Shenzhen’s Communist Party chief, succeeding Meng Fanli, who has moved to become the governor of Guangdong province. Jin Lei, an economist with a background in Sichuan province, has signaled a fresh push for deeper integration during his first month in office by conducting high-profile visits to key joint projects, including the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone. His arrival aligns with Beijing’s strategic initiative to accelerate the Northern Metropolis megaproject under China’s 15th five-year plan (2026-2030). Announced in 2021, this scheme aims to transform 30,000 hectares of border land into a dual engine for economic growth and housing. The developments highlight a significant political and economic shift towards strengthening ties between the two cities, driven by new leadership and national development goals.
News - South China Morning Post