Guangdong released its recommendations for the "15th Five-Year Plan" on December 8. Focusing on eight major development goals, the recommendations outline the province's blueprint for future growth, including plans related to the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

According to the recommendations, Guangdong will enhance the level of integrated development between Hengqin and Macao, particularly the "Macao+Hengqin" model and the new requirements for Hengqin's construction. They call for advancing the second-phase goals of the Cooperation Zone, optimizing the special customs operation, and accelerating the growth of four emerging industries: scientific research and high-end manufacturing; traditional Chinese medicine and other branded industries; cultural tourism and convention-expo commerce; and modern finance, to support Macao in achieving appropriate diversification.

The special customs operation in Hengqin refers to a system where goods face eased controls at the "first line" and stricter supervision at the "second line," while allowing highly convenient movement of people. The boundary between Hengqin and the Macao SAR constitutes the "first line," while the boundary between Hengqin and other areas within the country's customs forms the "second line."

The year 2025 marks the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan. Five-year plans set phased targets and arrangements and serve as blueprints and action programs for economic and social development. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, 14 such plans have been formulated and implemented, playing a crucial role in advancing economic and social progress and improving people's livelihoods. Provinces formulate their own five-year plans based on the national outline.

The recommendations offer an in-depth analysis of Guangdong and the opportunities and challenges it will face during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. They establish guiding principles and major goals for the province's development over the next five years and set out comprehensive plans across multiple fields, including the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the building of a modern industrial system.