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Ⅰ. The Macro-environment of the GBA

mechanisms among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, and helped to enhance the integration level of the

GBA. 22
The “GBA Combined Port” project, jointly implemented by Shenzhen and multiple regions in the GBA, has

expanded the cargo source hinterland of Shenzhen Port to the river trade terminals along the Pearl River Delta.
The traditional customs transfer model has been simplified to “one declaration, one inspection, and one release”,

and the integrated development of the GBA port group has reached a new level. After the implementation of the
“Northbound Travel for Macao Vehicles” policy on January 1, 2023, over 20,000 people have registered in the

first month, making it more convenient for people and vehicles to travel between Guangdong and Macao. The
policy has facilitated the rapid flow of production and innovation factors within the GBA, effectively enhancing

the international competitiveness of the GBA port cluster.

1.3 Development of the legal profession in the GBA

1.3.1 The current development status of the legal profession in the GBA

Since the reform and opening up, in order to promote economic development, the legal profession in nine
regions in the Mainland has developed rapidly. The implementation of “The Belt and Road Initiative” and the

construction of the GBA also brings new development opportunities to the economy of the nine Mainland cities.

(a) Development of Guangzhou legal profession

According to the 2021 Guangzhou Legal Profession Big Data Report launched by the Guangzhou Lawyers

Association in April 2022, the scale of Guangzhou law firms has been continuously enlarged, with enhanced
professionalization. The number of branch offices established in Guangzhou has increased significantly, foreign-

related services have developed well, and business cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao
has expanded. There are 55 Hong Kong and Macao resident lawyers in Guangzhou, 12 Hong Kong and Macao

lawyers who have passed the GBA Legal Professional Examination, and nearly 1,100 foreign-related lawyers.
The service level of civil and commercial dispute resolution has been continuously improved. “The Belt and

Road Initiative” Lawyers Alliance Guangzhou Centre, Guangzhou International Commercial Mediation Centre
and Guangzhou International Commercial Legal Service Centre have officially opened and settled in the

22 The implementation of the “Bay Area Connection” project in Guangdong Province to promote the integration of Guangdong-
Hong Kong-Macao rules and mechanisms, and the “Soft” and “Hard” connection to help improve the integration level of the Bay Area,
Southern Daily (May 10, 2022), https://cagd.gov.cn/v/2022/05/1005.html

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