The Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone is a flagship platform for technological innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), designated as a key cross-boundary cooperation platform under China's National 14th Five-Year Plan.
In August 2023, the State Council issued the Development Plan for the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, outlining strategies for high-quality, high-standard and high-level development of the Shenzhen Park, proactively complementing and collaborating with its Hong Kong counterpart, and positioning the zone as a pivotal hub for international sci-tech innovation and a growth engine for high-quality development in the Greater Bay Area.
On November 20, 2024, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government released the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, specifying key development priorities and strategic objectives. This milestone establishes strategic synergy between the Shenzhen and Hong Kong parks under the "One Zone, Two Parks" framework.
The Hetao Cooperation Zone is located at the border area between the northern part of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the southern-central part of Shenzhen, serving as a natural junction between the northern metropolitan area of Hong Kong and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Technology Innovation Corridor. The total area is approximately 3.89 square kilometers, with Shenzhen Park covering 3.02 square kilometers and Hong Kong Park covering 0.87 square kilometers. The planning area of Shenzhen Park includes the Futian Bonded Zone and Huanggang Port Area: Futian Bonded Zone covers 1.35 square kilometers, stretching from the Huanggang Port border in the east, along the Shenzhen River to the south, to Xinzhou River in the west, and Ronghua Road in the north. The Huanggang Port area spans 1.67 square kilometers, extending east to Huaqiang South Road, south to Shenzhen River, west to Huanggang Road, and north to Binhe Avenue.
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Tax System
Enterprises in the encouraged industries are subject to a reduced corporate income tax rate of 15%
The portion of individual income tax for Hong Kong residents that exceeds the Hong Kong tax burden will be exempted
The tax burden environment is aligned with Hong Kong's
Research
Fully integrate with international systems and mechanisms for research management
Innovative mechanisms for research management have been established, including the theme proposal collection system, unveiling and commanding system, the project manager system, the government-enterprise linkage, and the peer review system
Explore innovations in research systems and mechanisms
Cross-border Policy
10 measures to support the convenient and efficient cross-border flow of innovative elements in Shenzhen Park of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone
Support the cross-border movement of research goods and R&D products (excluding bonded goods) of research institutions and enterprises through Channel No. 1 by designated personnel
The Customs provides “one-on-one” coordination services for research institutions and enterprises
See Details《海关支持河套深港科技创新合作深圳园区全面深化改革开放若干措施》
Intellectual Property
36 Measures in 7 Aspects
Explore an intellectual property protection system aligned with international standards
Support the development of an intellectual property service cluster in Shenzhen Park of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone
Strengthen cross-border intellectual property cooperation with Hong Kong
See Details《关于加强河套深港科技创新合作区深圳园区知识产权保护和运用的意见》
FinTech
Overseas research funds are allowed to be directly transferred to foreign-funded non-enterprise research institutions in Hetao
Domestic non-enterprise institutions have established clear pathways and management models for receiving overseas donations
High-level facilitation of cross-border CNY settlement for research institutions
Relax the entry threshold for the pilot program of foreign debt facilitation
Support the centralized operation and management of cross-border funds in both domestic and foreign currencies for multinational corporations
See Details 国家外汇管理局深圳市政策法规
Business Environment
Reform the business registration confirmation system and enhance the standardization level of business registration
Collaborate with Hong Kong mediation institutions to implement an online joint mediation model and expand the scope of judicial confirmation in accordance with the law
Support the joint operation of overseas and Mainland law firms in Hetao
Support well-known overseas law firms in establishing representative institutions in Hetao
Talent
Encourage the convenient practice of overseas talented professionals, with 28 professional qualifications in 8 major fields, covering construction, medicine, law, finance, etc.
Initiate an innovative talent evaluation system integrating "Achievement-based Recognition + Points-based Assessment + Nomination-based Selection"
Futian Elites Program, ensuring robust professional support systems
Data
Implement the nation's first pilot program for cross-border data transactions
Deepen the reform of market-oriented allocation of data elements
Establish data security management mechanisms, including risk assessment for cross-border data circulation and transactions
Develop an orderly market ecosystem for cross-border data flow
See Details《广东省推进粤港澳大湾区规则衔接机制对接典型案例（第二批）》新闻发布会
Policy Overview
