Qianhai was designated by the Chinese Central Government in 2010 as a Qianhai-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperative Zone. It has become one of the highlights in the Greater Bay Area’s development as it provides ample opportunities for individuals and businesses from both Hong Kong and the Mainland to grow and expand. In terms of the construction sector, Qianhai also plays a pivotal role in accelerating exchanges and integration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Back in late 2019, a team led by Professor Qiping Shen, Chair Professor of Construction Management and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment at PolyU, commenced a research project on Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation in the construction sector and innovation on institutions and mechanisms (建設領域深港合作及體制、機制創新研究). The team has been working closely with the Shenzhen Qianhai Management Authority ever since.

Based on the experience of the pilot project to trial the Hong Kong construction model in the Qianhai Cooperation Zone, the team has also actively participated in drafting two sets of record-filing measures, namely, "Administrative Measures for the Registration of Hong Kong Construction Organisations in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone" (深圳市前海深港現代服務業合作區香港工程建設領域專業機構執業備案管理辦法) and "Administrative Measures for the Registration of Hong Kong Construction Professionals in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone" (深圳市前海深港現代服務業合作區香港工程建設領域專業人士執業資格備案管理辦法). These two measures have been enforced by the Authority on 1st October 2020. Until now, over 50 Hong Kong-based professionals and 6 Hong Kong-based organisations have completed their filings in the Qianhai Cooperation Zone, and many other filings are still in progress.

The implementation of the two measures will help break down the qualification barriers in the construction sector of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, expand the scope of implementation of the Hong Kong mode of construction, accelerate exchanges and integration between the construction sectors of the two cities, and attract more Hong Kong professionals to participate in the development of Qianhai.

Contribution by Professor Shen's team in promoting the collaboration of the construction sector between Shenzhen and Hong Kong has been highly recognised by the Qianhai Authority. The team will, based on the abovementioned measures, continue their study on the applicability of the Hong Kong construction model, including approval and supervision mechanisms, consultancy service charging standards, and employees' compensation insurance. In this way, the team aims to enhance the degree of cooperation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in the construction sector to the next level.