Is China overdeveloping economic zones?

They're in line with opening up to global trade, but critics say rapid rise limits success of newer ones

The Chinese city of Shenzhen (right) separated by a river from Hong Kong. Shenzhen was chosen as a special economic zone because of its proximity to shipping routes and Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Its transformation from sleepy fishing village to tech an
The Chinese city of Shenzhen (right) separated by a river from Hong Kong. Shenzhen was chosen as a special economic zone because of its proximity to shipping routes and Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Its transformation from sleepy fishing village to tech and manufacturing hub is often held up as a success story and a case for economic development zones. PHOTO: NYTIMES
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When Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a speech on Oct 14 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ), he chose to do it in the Qianhai district, a relatively new area positioning itself as a hub for cross-border services with Hong Kong.

Just over two hours' drive away, and across the estuary where the Pearl River empties into the sea, is the island of Hengqin. Much like Qianhai, it lies close to an established economic zone (Zhuhai, in this case) and also positions itself as a hub for cooperation and trade with Macau.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on October 25, 2020, with the headline Is China overdeveloping economic zones?. Subscribe