The new sea-crossing bridge linking Hong Kong, Macao and the Chinese mainland is a lifeline that many have been waiting for to strengthen economic ties and deepen people-to-people exchanges in south China's Greater Bay Area.
New graduate Nicky Law, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, now makes his fortune on the opposite bank at a Hong Kong company in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province.
He got to know the southern Chinese mainland city after attending a trainee program for Hong Kong students wanting to work elsewhere in the Greater Bay Area. He realized that diversified industries developed very well in Zhuhai and decided to land a job there.
While Hong Kong lies only 34 nautical miles from Nicky's workplace, he goes home only twice a month as the journey takes him nearly four hours. That includes a bus trip from his office to the port, lining up for a ticket that costs him some 25 US dollars, and hours on a ferry.
However, with the grand bridge linking Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao opening to regular traffic on Wednesday, Nicky's travel time will be cut down to 40 minutes.
He said he would certainly go home more frequently by road as it's cheaper and more flexible. In the future, his company will also launch shuttle buses that take staff directly to and from Hong Kong.
"I can save commute time for my family and friends then," the young man said.
Meanwhile, Nicky believed the bridge would also boost a project he's working on. The company's cultural hub and incubator, currently under construction at the heart of Zhuhai's Hengqin Free Trade Zone, will benefit from its closer ties with Hong Kong and Macao.
The team intended to develop it into a regional tourist center and they are confident it will attract more foreign investment and big brands in entertainment and tourism. That also helps Nicky be determined to continue working in Zhuhai and seize new opportunities.
Nicky and his company are not the only beneficiaries.
In Hengqin Free Trade Zone, there are already over 2,600 companies from Hong Kong and Macao. And local authorities expect more companies and talent to flock in after the bridge opens.
Director-General of Hengqin New Area Administrative Committee Niu Jing said the bridge enables joint development and deepening cooperation in the Greater Bay Area. He said local authorities would provide more favorable policies and a better business environment for Hong Kong and Macao residents, especially young talent, so they can innovate and start their own businesses here.
