Plans released to build Nansha FTZ as Guangzhou’s sub-center

2018-April-24       Source: Newsgd.com

Nansha Free Trade Zone (FTZ) released the latest development plans on April 23, highlighting the Pearl Bay Area and major measures to facilitate infrastructure construction, healthcare, education and etc.

A press conference to release Nansha FTZ’s development plan on April 23.[Photo provided to Newsgd.com]

Pan Yuzhang, Deputy Director of the Management Committee of Nansha FTZ, said these plans targeted to construct Nansha as Guangzhou’s sub-city and a platform for cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

“We will also strengthen cooperation with world’s major economies and partners along the Belt and Road, and contribute to economic restructuring, scientific innovation, opening-up and better governance,” he said.

Wu Chao, Director of Nansha Land Resources and Planning Bureau, said the bureau was working on the urban planning based on Nansha’s new position, aiming to secure land supply to develop international shipping, finance and other emerging industries.

“We invited overseas urban design teams, including SOM from the U.S. and ISA from Germany, to participate in the planning of the key development areas,” said Wu Chao, “we also started a new round of urban renewal project which cover 38.8 square kilometers. Once completed, it will improve people’s living environment and revitalize the productivity of the old factories.”

Guo Sheng, Deputy Director of Construction and Transportation Bureau, said major infrastructure projects were under construction to strengthen connections between Nansha and cities among Greater Bay Area. In the next 3 to 5 years, it will take 60 minutes to reach major cities in the Pearl River Delta, 30 minutes to the inner districts of Guangzhou and 15 minutes to travel around Nansha district.

“The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed rail will start operation and enable people to travel between Nansha Qingsheng and Hong Kong West Kowloon in 28 minutes,” said Guo Sheng, “a batch of rail projects such as Shenzhen-Maoming rail, Metro Line 15 and 22, and 14 expressways will also facilitate the connection between Pearl River East and West.”

The Pearl Bay Area will make use of the underground space, according to the plan. [Photo/Newsgd.com]

The development of the Pearl Bay Area was also highlighted during the press conference. The Pearl Bay Area is positioned as the pilot financial area of Nansha FTZ, aiming to develop headquarter economy, shipping finance and a series of professional services.

According to the development office, the Pearl Bay Area is planned to be green, low-carbon and smart, making use of underground space, utility tunnel, big data management and etc.

Plans to develop industries including healthcare, culture, tourism and education were also released during the press conference. Related departments are introducing domestic and overseas resources to fasten their development.

Reported by Jasmine Yin

Edited by Wing Zhang