Core Insights - The article discusses the phenomenon of "shrinking cities" in the U.S., emphasizing the need to recognize the current situation and respect the needs of remaining residents while planning for future urban development [1][3][6]. Group 1: Urban Development and Challenges - The book "Cracked Cities" by Alan Mallach highlights the duality of urban experiences in the U.S., where vibrant cities coexist with stagnant ones, leading to significant social polarization [3][6]. - Mallach notes that while some old industrial cities are experiencing revitalization, many others are becoming poorer and more desolate, exacerbating issues of social inequality and increasing rent burdens [6][8]. - The lack of diversified economic development in resource-dependent cities can lead to cyclical patterns of reliance on single industries, making them vulnerable to economic fluctuations [7]. Group 2: Policy Recommendations and Community Engagement - Mallach advocates for reforms in public policy and the establishment of resilience mechanisms to provide development opportunities for residents in shrinking cities [3][6]. - The article emphasizes the importance of addressing the basic living conditions of residents who remain in these cities, suggesting that opportunities should be created for those who wish to relocate to more promising areas [11][12]. - High Shuqi, a translator and researcher, suggests innovative approaches such as transforming vacant properties into community parks and gardens, promoting a blend of urban and natural environments [12].

Core Points - The 30th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair will be held from October 22 to 25, featuring over 40 participating countries and regions [1][2] - The theme of this year's fair is "Global Investment Promotion, Business Gathering in Macao," with Guangzhou as the partner city, aiming to enhance Macao's economic and trade platform [1] - The fair will host more than 50 economic and trade meetings and forums, including regional cooperation forums and professional meetings, to strengthen Macao's role as a regional economic platform [1] - New thematic pavilions will be introduced, such as the "Robot Industry Pavilion" and the "Macao Health Brand Export Pavilion," aligning with Macao's "1+4" industrial diversification strategy [1] - The fair will feature five exhibition areas, showcasing industrial diversity, including a partner city theme area and a local enterprise exhibition area [1] - Over 20 new products and technologies will be launched at the fair, with robots serving as promotional ambassadors in community flash performances, highlighting the integration of technology and exhibitions [1] - The fair will coincide with the "2nd China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic and Trade Expo (Macao)," the "Macao International Brand Franchise Exhibition 2025," and the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area High-Quality Talent Development Conference," maximizing resource synergy and benefits [2] - Since its inception in 1996, the Macao International Trade and Investment Fair has become an annual international economic and trade event and is the first professional exhibition in Macao certified by the International Exhibition Association [2]

Core Viewpoint - The insurance industry plays a crucial role in the economic and social stability of the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao Deep Cooperation Zone, as highlighted by the chairman of Hengqin Life Insurance, who emphasizes the industry's increasing recognition and value in the market [2][3]. Group 1: Insurance Industry Role - The insurance sector is seen as an "economic shock absorber" and "social stabilizer," indicating its indispensable role in the development of the Hengqin Cooperation Zone [2]. - Recent intensive share acquisitions by insurance capital signal a positive outlook for the industry, reflecting a growing market recognition of insurance's fundamental functions [2]. Group 2: Company Initiatives - Hengqin Life has launched innovative insurance products to address the financial service needs of cross-border residents, including specialized medical insurance for Macao residents [3]. - The company has implemented a series of service integration measures to enhance the experience for Macao residents, including multilingual policy services and tailored underwriting policies [3]. - Hengqin Life has invested a total of 2.5 billion yuan in the Cooperation Zone, representing about 5% of its total assets, to support local enterprises [3]. Group 3: Financial Performance - The company has achieved a cumulative payout and benefit amount of 9.12 billion yuan since its inception, with 130 million yuan in premium waivers for clients [2]. - Hengqin Life's new business premium growth has seen a year-on-year increase of 158% due to the successful implementation of the "Golden Lotus" wealth management center model [4]. - The comprehensive investment return rate reached 6.10%, an increase of 3.5 percentage points year-on-year [4]. Group 4: Future Directions - Hengqin Life plans to develop a comprehensive insurance product system tailored to the needs of Macao residents, including cross-border medical and elderly care products [5]. - The company aims to enhance service connections by relocating its branch to "Macao New Neighborhood" and hiring local staff to better serve the community [5]. - Future investment in the Cooperation Zone is expected to increase to 10% of the company's total assets, with a focus on supporting new industries [5]. - Hengqin Life intends to expand its international business by establishing a subsidiary in Macao and exploring cross-border insurance fund allocation [6].