On February 28, the Decision of Guangdong Provincial People's Government on the Adjustment of a Number of Provincial Administrative Powers to be Implemented by the Executive Committee of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and Its Working Bodies (referred to as the “Decision”) was released to the public. Starting on April 1, 2023, 159 provincial administrative powers will be adjusted and implemented by the Executive Committee of the Cooperation Zone and its working bodies.

This adjustment covers a wide range of fields, such as administrative licensing, penalties, inspections, and confirmation, and they will give greater autonomy to the Cooperation Zone in the areas of development and reform.

This Decision involves some of the administrative powers of 17 provincial departments. Of the powers to be handed over, 153 will be entrusted and 6 will be delegated. These powers include certification of legal professionals, annual inspection of joint ventures between law firms from Hong Kong, Macao, and the Chinese mainland, annual registration of Hong Kong and Macao legal advisers, issuance of tour guide certificates, recognition of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan high-level talent, and a host of others.

Expressed in the Decision, the relevant provincial departments are required to complete the handover of the adjusted powers to the Executive Committee and its working bodies within 30 working days from the date of issuance. The Executive Committee and its working bodies, along with the relevant provincial departments, are expected to meticulously organize and implement the Decision and strengthen connections and communication in accordance with their powers.

In the future, the provincial government will delegate more administrative powers to the Cooperation Zone based on its needs. This will enable the Cooperation Zone to better manage its affairs and make it more convenient for Macao residents to study, work, start a business, and build a life there.