Hong Kong international schools will be allowed to set up in the as-yet undeveloped new economic zones of Qianhai in Shenzhen and Hengqin in Zhuhai.
The measure is one of 43, intended to boost trade and foster cross-border co-operation, that are contained in the ninth supplement to the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (Cepa), signed yesterday between the mainland and Hong Kong.
Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah and Vice-Minister of Commerce Jiang Yaoping officiated at the signing. The measures are designed to benefit 22 sectors of Hong Kong's services industry by making it easier for them to operate on the mainland.
It is the first time Cepa's scope has been extended to educational services.
The original Cepa pact was signed in 2003 to help Hong Kong recover from the economic impact of the Sars outbreak. Originally focused on manufacturing, it has since been extended to cover services, but many of its intended beneficiaries - professionals and businesses - complain about red tape stifling their endeavours.
As well as being allowed to operate schools in Qianhai and Hengqin, the education sector will be allowed to provide training services, both wholly owned and through joint ventures, on the mainland.
An English Schools Foundation spokesman said the group would look into the scheme but Hong Kong was its priority.