Shenzhen authorities beckon SAR firms to Qianhai-Shekou

In a press briefing held yesterday, the director of Shenzhen Qianhai Authority, Mr. Du Peng, said the Mainland city would welcome Macau firms engaged in finance, logistics and information technology to develop their business in the Guangdong Free Trade Zone Qianhai-Shekou Area of Shenzhen, where the preferential trade terms enjoyed by Hong Kong investments will also apply to those from Macau. The Qianhai authority head also noted that Shenzhen will develop cruise tourism services with Macau in the future. He said that the Shenzhen authorities have been working on the plan to launch the so-called ‘Individual Visit Scheme’ for yachts travelling between the city and Macau. The scheme is an initiative for yachts from Macau to be able in Mainland marinas as well as a plan for both Mainland and local governments to implement a simpler Customs clearance procedure for yacht owners and crews. The scheme is slated for trial for Macau and Zhongshan City in Guangdong by the end of September, according to Macau’s Marine and Water Bureau.