The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) has been buzzing with exciting developments throughout 2024. Here are the top 10 moments that shaped the region this year:
1. Celebrating Macao’s 25th Anniversary
On December 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech commemorating the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China. Over the past quarter-century, Macao has transformed remarkably, enhancing its international standing and embracing new opportunities.
2. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Meets with President Xi
President Xi met with Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee on December 13 in Beijing. They discussed Hong Kong’s progress and reaffirmed support for the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, emphasizing innovation and prosperity for the region.
3. Advancing Chinese Modernization
The Communist Party of China held its Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee on July 18. The session focused on deepening reforms to advance Chinese modernization, highlighting plans to enhance Hong Kong’s role as an international finance, shipping, and trade hub.
4. Sam Hou Fai Elected as Macao’s Sixth-Term Chief Executive Designate
On October 13, Sam Hou Fai was overwhelmingly elected as Macao’s next Chief Executive. He expressed gratitude and a commitment to serving Macao and the broader community in his new role.
5. Hong Kong Passes National Security Bill
In a significant move, Hong Kong’s Legislative Council unanimously passed the safeguarding national security bill on March 19. This marks a milestone in fulfilling the constitutional duties outlined in Hong Kong’s Basic Law.
6. New Mega Cross-Sea Passage Opens
The Huangmaohai Link, a major cross-sea passage in the GBA, opened to traffic on December 11. This engineering marvel is set to boost connectivity and economic integration across the region.
7. Boosting Trade Between Mainland China and Hong Kong
On October 9, an amendment to the service trade agreement under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) was signed. This will lower barriers for Hong Kong service providers in sectors like finance, telecommunications, and tourism, effective March 1, 2025.
8. Expanding Travel Permits for Neighboring Residents
Starting December 1, 2024, residents of Shenzhen and other neighboring cities can apply for multi-entry permits to Hong Kong and Macao. This policy aims to foster closer ties and more frequent exchanges within the GBA.
9. Completion of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory
After nine years of construction, the world’s largest spherical neutrino detector was completed on November 20 in Jiangmen City, Guangdong. Set to operate next year, the observatory will explore the mysteries of the universe by studying elusive “ghost particles.”
10. ‘Radio The Greater Bay’ Achieves 99% Coverage in Hong Kong
China Media Group’s FM channel “Radio The Greater Bay” now reaches 99% coverage in Hong Kong. This expansion enhances media connectivity and information sharing within the region.
These milestones underscore the dynamic growth and integration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, setting the stage for a bright future ahead.
Reference(s):
CMG: Top 10 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area news in 2024
cgtn.com
