China Has Issued the Development Plan for the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Sci-tech Zone (Part 1)

▲ A view of the under-construction Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone. [Photo/Xinhua]

The State Council has issued the "Development Plan for the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone" (hereinafter referred to as "the Plan") to further implement the “Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area”. The plan calls for the construction and development of Shenzhen Park in the cooperation zone with high quality and standards, and it will proactively develop synergistic development and complement each other's strengths with Hong Kong Park, with the period until 2035. 

1. Overall Requirements.

1.1 Development positioning.

(1) Pilot zone for Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation.

Utilizing the unique role of Shenzhen Park and in collaboration with the international first-class research and experimental facilities cluster of Hong Kong Park to jointly build a new benchmark for Shenzhen-Hong Kong science and technology innovation cooperation and an international highland for science and technology innovation.

(2) Pilot zone for International Advanced Science and Technology Innovation Rules.

Utilizing the advantages of the complementarity of Shenzhen and Hong Kong's science and technology industries, as well as the cross-border of the two parks and the special customs supervision area of Shenzhen Park, to establish a flexible efficient, and risk-controlled cross-border science and technology innovation system and mechanism, so as to play a demonstrative role in deepening the reform of science and technology system and expanding openness in the new era.

(3) Cluster zone for pilot-scale production in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Gathering the strengths of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao to build a first-class international platform for pilot-scale production, and continuously providing high-quality science and technology innovation in support of the construction of the Greater Bay Area.

1.2 Development Objectives. 

By 2025, an efficient collaborative mechanism for Shenzhen-Hong Kong science and technology innovation will be established and operating successfully. The reconstruction of Huanggang Port will be completed, the cross-border infrastructure interconnection should be achieved, and an efficient customs clearance and inspection model will be realized. Shenzhen Park’s supervisory model should be effective and efficient, with smooth basic factors flow, integrated innovation chains, and seamless personnel exchange with Hong Kong Park. Establish scientific research management systems with full alignment with Hong Kong’s and international standards, and gather a group of key laboratories, excellent research centers, and R&D centers of top-notch enterprises. This will lead to significant achievements in scientific cooperation with Hong Kong. 

By 2035, a comprehensive pattern of innovation cooperation with Hong Kong Park will have been formed, with the internationalization of science and technology innovation among the global leaders. Innovation factors will freely and orderly flow across borders, and numerous top-notch innovation carriers and leading tech enterprise R&D centers will be cultivated, becoming a world-class research hub. This will strongly support the construction of the International Innovation Center of the Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation Corridor.

2. Overall Layout.

2.1 Regional coordination layout.

Build a connection with Shenzhen Guangming Science City to promote the mutual advancement of technological and institutional innovation. Connect with the Hong Kong Park to promote facility integration, services sharing, and collaborative innovation, while providing strong support for the planning and development of the northern metropolis area of Hong Kong. Collaborate with the International Science and Technology Innovation Center and the Innovation Corridor node of the Greater Bay Area, to drive innovation development within the Area.

2.2 Spatial layout of the zone.

Based on the distribution of existing port facilities, land, and regional infrastructure in Shenzhen Park, align with the development objectives and tasks, to actively connect with the functional layout and architectural forms of Hong Kong Park to build an overall spatial layout of “one center and two wings”.

2.3 Zoning layout for supervision.

Based on the existing management facilities and conditions of the special customs supervision area in Shenzhen Park, a "white list" system for industries, institutions and individuals in the customs supervision areas such as the Futian Free Trade Zone will be established to form a scientific research institution that is highly compatible with that of Hong Kong and the international standards. Specifically, a "first line" will be established with port management between the customs supervision area and Hong Kong; a "second line" will be established with channel management between the customs supervision area and other areas within the People's Republic of China.

Align with the development and construction schedule of the Hong Kong Park, implement special supervision in a phased manner for the Futian Free Trade Zone and the Huanggang Port area. Introduce high-end scientific and technological resources from Hong Kong and abroad to the Futian Free Trade Zone, to form an international and modern high-end research area by 2025. The land will be rearranged within the Huanggang Port area and temporarily implement the former policies before the closed management.

2.4 Layout of major infrastructure.

(1) Improve the external transportation network.

Study the introduction of Guangzhou-Guangdong-Shenzhen intercity railways, speed up the southward extension of the Shenzhen Urban Rail Transit Line 6 to Shenzhen Park, and advance projects such as the upgrading of Huanggang Road and the southern extension of Xinzhou Road. Actively cooperate with Hong Kong to study the feasibility of the Northern Link extension connecting to the new Huanggang Port via the Hong Kong Park in the Lok Ma Chau and Hetao area.

(2) Optimize the internal transportation network.

Improve the layout of entrances and exits of Shenzhen Park, construct a “five horizontal street and six vertical road" transportation network, and advance the transformation of the Lok Ma Chau Bridge and the connecting roads. Reserve a suitable location within Shenzhen Park for the construction of cross-border channels with Hong Kong Park to facilitate the scientific personnel exchange between the two parks.

(3) Promote the transformation of ports and surrounding areas.

Accelerate the overall reconstruction of Huanggang Port, the upgrading of the No. 1 passageway of the Futian Free Trade Zone, the rebuilding of customs inspection area and renovation of living areas in the Huanggang Port, etc., expand and improve the functions of port areas to achieve integrated development of the two ports, and build a modernized port and comprehensive service hub serving domestically and internationally. Support Shenzhen Park to innovate the mode of land preparation, pilot new ways of land supply, and explore new models for park renewal.

Source:<https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/202308/content_6900742.htm>

<https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202310/13/WS6528ec7ba31090682a5e86aa.html>

Edited and Translated by Guo Xinxin