The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has been regarded as a game-changer for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) by entrepreneurs. It can significantly enhance regional connectivity and spur business development.

The Link has cut travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan from two hours under usual conditions to about thirty minutes. How will the new mega infrastructure impact local economies and the lives of residents? GDToday talks with entrepreneurs of international businesses in the GBA to find out their views on the Link and their future business development.

The transformative power of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is evident. Paul Jolley, CEO of Cooka (Zhongshan) Technology Co., Ltd., highlighted the strategic advantage of the region's improved infrastructure, viewing Zhongshan as an ideal place for living and working due to its accessibility to major cities such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

Harley Seyedin, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, emphasized the time-saving benefits of the new bridge, which he sees as a boon for American businesses and a catalyst for regional economic growth. "The simple fact is that it used to take 4 hours to travel by road from Shenzhen to Zhongshan, and now it takes only half an hour," said Seyedin, pointing out the efficiency gains for businesses operating in the GBA.

The Link's impact is not limited to time efficiency. It is also set to facilitate business expansion and strengthen intra-regional cooperation by leveraging comparative advantages. Cengiz Dana, CEO of Goldreal Ltd. in Zhongshan, sees it as a key to unlocking further growth for his company, which is strategically located to benefit from the improved connectivity, as the Link now connects marketing center Shenzhen and manufacturing hub Zhongshan.

Qiu Junwen, General Manager of Meiko Electronics (Guangzhou Nansha) Co., Ltd., pointed out the logistical benefits, noting that the opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link will considerably lower logistics costs and enhance transportation efficiency, facilitating supply chain operations in the Pearl River Delta.

The Link's role in promoting upstream-downstream cooperation across the industrial chain is also underscored. Jolley noted that his company, which is upstream of the industrial chain, finds it more convenient to supply their downstream partners with the opening of the Link. Qiu also pointed out that they will be able to provide services in a timelier manner thanks to the Link.

As the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link opens up new avenues for business, companies including Cooka are looking to expand beyond their traditional roles. "We want to expand from just being a component manufacturer to a prototype manufacturer," said Jolley, reflecting a broader trend of business transformation in the region.

The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is more than an engineering marvel; it is a symbol of the GBA's commitment to innovation and economic integration. As businesses and communities embrace the opportunities presented by this new connectivity, the region is set to become an even more competitive and vibrant economic powerhouse on the global stage.

(cnbayarea.org.cn & GDToday)