Hong Kong warned to start moving on development with Shenzhen or risk missing out under Beijing latest plans

Xu Ze says development in northern Hong Kong is weak while Shenzhen is waiting to welcome city and ‘dock with it’

Former senior official also urges city to work more closely with its mainland counterparts in pushing forward socio-economic innovation and reforms

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The Qianhai district in Shenzhen. Photo: VCG via Getty Images

Published: 8:41pm, 13 Sep 2021Updated: 11:32pm, 13 Sep 2021

A former senior mainland Chinese official has warned Hong Kong risks being left with regret if it fails to turn the northern part of the city into a new business district and strengthen ties with neighbouring Shenzhen under Beijing’s new blueprints for regional integration.

Xu Ze, former deputy director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, on Monday also urged the city to work more closely with its mainland counterparts in pushing forward socio-economic innovation and reforms so red tape would not hinder cross-border collaborations.

Now president of semi-official Beijing think tank the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, Xu made the remarks during an online seminar on expansion plans approved by the State Council last week for the Qianhai and Hengqin areas.

Xu Ze speaks at the online seminar. Photo: Nora Tam

The Qianhai economic zone, which was set up in 2009, will expand eightfold, from 14.9 sq km (3,706 acres) to 120.6 sq km, to offer a “wider stage” for Hong Kong to grow its economy.

The central government also announced a new cooperation zone for Macau with neighbouring Hengqin, three times the size of the casino hub.

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