Prisca Tang
Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon said during a press conference at Government Headquarters yesterday about the General Plan for the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin that while the zone will implement a “mutual discussion, joint construction, joint administration and shared benefit” system, in terms of law enforcement, Guangdong will be in charge of the island’s policing.
Cheong underlined that as the zone will be under Guangdong’s administration, law enforcement officers for the zone will be from Guangdong, and they will be in charge of national security, criminal justice and public security.
When introducing the management and legal system for the zone, Ng Chi Kin, an advisor to Cheong’s office, said that the idea of setting up a “mutual discussion, joint construction, joint administration and shared benefit” system will be achieved through the zone’s newly implemented management commission, executive commission, Guangdong government delegations, income sharing and evaluation mechanisms.
Ng pointed out that the management commission will be responsible for decision making for important plans, policies, and projects. He pointed out that there will be two chiefs at the commission – the governor of Guangdong and the chief executive of Macau, adding that Macau will also appoint a permanent deputy chief, while both Macau and Guangdong will be appointing deputy chiefs for other entities. Cheong added that the candidates for the position must be approved by the central government.
Ng also said that the executive commission’s main tasks involve international promotion, attracting direct investment, introducing new industries, and managing the daily lives of Hengqin residents.
Cheong reaffirmed that the zone will be under the Guangdong government’s administration, stressing that it is not part of Macau, as a result, the Guangdong government will be in charge of law enforcement. He pointed out that there is no extradition law between the mainland and Macau, hence, at the moment, if a criminal offence takes place in Hengqin, the Guangdong provincial government will be in charge of the case.
Moreover, Ng elaborated on the income sharing mechanism. He pointed out that until 2024 all investment revenue will be used for the development of the zone, while afterwards the legal entities will set up a income-sharing system between Guangdong and Macau.
Cheong underlined that the aim of the legal and management system in Hengqin is to gradually create an institutional system in the zone using Macau’s civil and commercial law regulations and international criteria but always based on the nation’s Constitution and the Macau Basic Law.
Social security in Hengqin
Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Elsie Ao Ieong U and her office advisor, Lo Hou Chi, also introduced the “Macau New Neighbourhood” project which covers different topics such as health care, education and social services as well as social security.
Lo said that health care in the neighbourhood will take reference from Macau’s health centres, providing free medical care for Macau residents. She also pointed out that there will be a school in the neighbourhood, expecting to have 1,000 students including 18 primary school classes and 12 kindergarten classes. She pointed out that for social service facilities, the standards will match Macau’s service centres. Last but not least, Lo also said that for health care in the neighbourhood, doctors are allowed to use medicines and machines that are registered and approved by Macau. She stressed that the development of the neighbourhood is organised by Macau Urban Renewal Limited.
Lo explained that the school in the neighbourhood will prioritise Macau students, adding that people living in the neighbourhood will be able to enjoy benefits from both the mainland’s medical insurance and Macau’s medical benefits. She stressed that the ultimate goal is that residents living in the neighbourhood can benefit from Macau’s retirement benefits without having to return to Macau.
When Cheong was asked by reporters about the application process for residency in the neighbourhood, he said that both governments were still brainstorming the plan. He added that there are still many legal and management issues regarding the zone that need to be discussed.
Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon addresses yesterday’s press conference about the General Plan for the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, at Government Headquarters yesterday.
Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Elsie Ao Ieong U addresses yesterday’s press conference about the social aspects of the future “Macau New Neighbourhood”. Photos: GCS
