The Hengqin Area of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone has shown a positive development momentum since a series of new policies were issued, said Xiao Zhiheng, a deputy to the ongoing session of the National People's Congress.

Xiao, also former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial People's Congress, made the remarks in a special interview with China.org.cn in Beijing on Friday.

The deputy said that Hengqin has put itself in a proper place in promoting the diversified development of Macao's economy while deepening economic and trade cooperation with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries.

"It is well known that the development of Macao's economy is mainly based on the gambling industry.The construction and development of Hengqin will play a role in promoting the diversified development of Macao's economy," he said.

Xiao described the diversified development of Macao's economy as "colorful" development. He believed that Hengqin has been given the most preferential policies in pioneering and piloting a development model so that many policies, systems and projects can be spearheaded here. "This is where the unique advantage of Hengqin lies," he said.

Xiao also cited a few of the area's initiatives to boost development, such as the issuance of "Electronic Licenses," the policy of allowing vehicles with a Macao license plate to enter Hengqin, and the construction of an industrial park in cooperation with Macao. He described the initiatives as "highlighting the investment value."

Yu Tianliang, chairman of the trade union of the Zhuhai-based Yuchai Marine Power Co., Ltd. and a deputy to the ongoing session of the NPC, agreed with Xiao, adding that "Hengqin was still a big construction site a few years ago, but great changes have taken place in its infrastructure construction with each passing day."

Yu also stressed that Hengqin has focused on helping Macao expand its development space. "The development of finance, bio-pharmaceutical and pension industries can also be derived in Hengqin," he said.

Yu predicted that with the continuous concentration of industries, the manufacturing industry in Hengqin will also be given an impetus to grow.

Statistics show that more than 15,000 enterprises have registered in Hengqin and more than 40 initiative measures have been launched there. The area has taken the lead in innovation, opening to the outside world and industrial development.

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