Since the launch of the Guangdong Pilot Free Trade Zone in April of last year, three experimental areas, namely, Hengqin in Zhuhai City, Qianhai in Shenzhen and Nansha in Guangzhou, have gained great impetus. Through their rapid growth, they have become important windows connecting Hong Kong, Macao and even the world.

Lei Pui Lam, vice president of the Chinese Educators Association of Macao.[Photo/China.org.cn]

The policies in the Guangdong Pilot Free Trade Zone help promote the integrity and cooperation between the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, said Lei Pui Lam, vice president of the Chinese Educators Association of Macao, speaking to China.org.cn while attending the "two sessions" of China's annual top legislative and political advisory body in Beijing.

"Many people from Macao, especially businessmen and the younger generation, are trying to find opportunities in the Hengqin New Area. Many young people from Macao are now settling down in the Hengqin Youth Entrepreneurship Valley," said Lei Pui Lam, who is also the president of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association.

The general guideline of the Guangdong Pilot Free Trade Zone clarifies the functions and features of the three areas, Nansha mainly develops shipping and logistics as well as manufacturing services, Qianhai coordinates with Hong Kong in both finance and international trade as its key industries, and Hengqin is linked with Macao mainly to develop tourism, entertainment, culture and education.

"Hengqin bears a responsibility to support the diversified development of Macao," said Lei Pui Lam. He also admitted that the cooperation between Guangdong and Macao faces challenges, which require further communication due to different laws, systems, and management models.