During a Tuesday meeting, the chief executives of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation across the economy, infrastructure, tourism and culture, with an aim to jointly advance the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Macao counterpart Sam Hou-fai made the remarks during their meeting at the Macao Government Headquarters. Lee led a high-level delegation to Macao for a one-day visit, following their exchanges in Hong Kong in February.

Both officials emphasized the importance of leveraging the unique advantages of the “one country, two systems” principle to foster regional growth and enhance connectivity.

Lee highlighted the potential for collaboration in areas such as the economy, cross-border infrastructure, tourism and culture. Sam agreed, adding that the need exists for strengthened policy coordination.

They both devoted attention to the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, which serves as a vital platform for Macao’s economic diversification.

Sam said that the Macao SAR government has established a dedicated leadership group to bolster support for the cooperation zone’s development through enhanced policies, legal frameworks, and resource measures.

He also extended an invitation to Hong Kong businesses to actively participate in the zone’s second-phase development, which has begun this year, to capitalize on the mutual benefits of shared growth opportunities.

Lee agreed that the Hengqin Cooperation Zone demonstrates the key strategic planning to enrich the practice of “one country, two systems”. He said the two SARs will contribute to the promotion of high-quality development in the Greater Bay Area and strengthen cooperation to jointly seize emerging opportunities.

In terms of tourism cooperation, Sam said Hong Kong could improve transportation links and promote multi-estination travel experiences to attract more international visitors. He and Lee pledged to develop joint tourism initiatives and marketing campaigns to elevate the Greater Bay Area’s global profile.

With the 15th National Games, jointly hosted by Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macao, in preparation stages, Sam expressed confidence that the event would showcase regional collaboration and pave the way for future sports and tourism developments in the region.

Lee’s delegation included senior Hong Kong officials, among them Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan, and Chief Executive’s Office Director Carol Yip Man-kuen.

The delegation also visited local infrastructure facilities in Hengqin, touring the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park of Cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, and the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin Planning Exhibition Hall. They learned about the zone’s industrial landscape and new technologies, before returning to Hong Kong later that day.

Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com