BEIJING - The Chinese mainland will create new opportunities for the development of Hong Kong and Macao and promote mutually beneficial cooperation to a new stage, a senior official said Sunday.

Support will be given to the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area by making full use of the advantages of the three regions and strengthening infrastructure interconnection, He Lifeng, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, said in a symposium held in Beijing.

He called for greater efforts to encourage the alignment of development plans and boost economic transformation and upgrade in the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.

Enterprises from Hong Kong and Macao are also encouraged to make investments in the mainland in a bid to complement advantages and improve competitiveness, said the chairman.

He also urged Hong Kong and Macao to participate in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and jointly explore overseas markets.