As Macao prepares to commemorate the 26th anniversary of its return to Chinese sovereignty on December 20, 2025, the special administrative region demonstrates remarkable progress in regional integration and economic diversification through its deepening collaboration with Guangdong province. This partnership has significantly enhanced quality of life while facilitating seamless cross-boundary movement of people, goods, and vehicles.
The Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin has emerged as a cornerstone of this integration, with official statistics revealing over 30,000 Macao residents now living and working in the zone. The area has attracted more than 1,300 Macao professionals and approximately 7,500 Macao-invested enterprises, creating substantial economic interconnection between the regions.
Entrepreneurial success stories abound, exemplified by Macao resident Zhang Haoren, who established Guangdong True Health Medical Technology Development in Hengqin. His enterprise has evolved into a nationally recognized high-tech organization with cutting-edge innovation capabilities, leveraging Guangdong’s industrial infrastructure and Macao’s international connections.
Younger generations are equally engaged, with aspiring businessman Chan Wai Nam recently launching a cross-border venture with Italian partners in Hengqin. He emphasized the zone’s role as a strategic ‘bridgehead’ for Macao youth seeking mainland opportunities, noting comprehensive support systems including subsidies, entrepreneurial guidance, and tax consultation services.
The Macao New Neighborhood in Hengqin represents another integration milestone, offering residents like finance professional Franke Ke living conditions comparable to those in Macao. This comprehensive community integrates residential spaces with educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and elderly care centers. Ke particularly praised the educational convenience and unrestricted internet access that enables seamless international financial operations.
Logistical integration continues to strengthen, with Gongbei Port serving as a vital supply channel. Customs data reveals over 5 million tons of fresh produce—including fruits, vegetables, poultry, and seafood—have been transported to Macao since 1999, with current daily averages exceeding 600 tons across approximately 120跨境 trucks. Customs officer Hu Bengang highlighted continuous improvements in inspection efficiency and typhoon contingency planning to ensure supply stability.
Transportation accessibility has likewise expanded, with the 2023 initiative permitting Macao-registered vehicles to enter Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge for short-term business, family, or leisure purposes. The program has grown substantially, registering 73,655 participants and recording 4 million cross-boundary vehicle trips by October 2025.