Guangdong provincial leaders expressed strong confidence in achieving the annual gross domestic product growth target of 4.5% to 5% during a press conference focused on high-level opening-up. The event attracted significant attention from domestic and international media outlets.
Provincial officials stated that this growth objective aligns with national targets and matches the pace of eastern coastal provinces. They emphasized that the goal reflects Guangdong's responsibility as a major economic contributor while balancing short-term and long-term development needs.
The conference highlighted several key development areas, including economic and industrial growth during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, expanded high-level opening-up, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area construction, and emerging industries like artificial intelligence.
Officials noted that current national and provincial policies are creating synergistic effects, with major projects and reform measures being implemented. They indicated that the economic growth target is achievable with effort, citing positive indicators from the first quarter.
The Greater Bay Area, accounting for less than 0.6% of national land area and about 6% of China's population, contributed approximately one-ninth of the country's total economic output last year. The region's GDP reached about $2.15 trillion.
Guangdong plans to deepen cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao to develop the bay area into a world-class city cluster. Key initiatives include building an international sci-tech innovation center and establishing research management systems that connect with international standards.
The provincial development and reform commission announced that Guangdong's 15th Five-Year Plan will be released soon, with bay area construction as a top priority. The plan will leverage the strengths of major cities while supporting specialized industrial development in other Pearl River Delta cities.
For foreign investors interested in emerging industries, officials guaranteed national treatment and announced incentive policies ensuring equal participation in various sectors.
Guangdong has established significant investment funds, including a 50-billion-yuan Greater Bay Area regional fund and a 100-billion-yuan strategic emerging industry fund. These will provide financial support for various enterprises, including foreign-invested companies.
The province's manufacturing diversity and abundant application scenarios provide ideal conditions for robotics development. Multiple robotics industrial clusters have been established across the region, with plans to enhance innovation platforms and support specialized enterprises.
Guangdong will soon release policies promoting high-quality industrial chain development and explore new industrialization cooperation mechanisms within the bay area.
Concurrently with the press conference, the 139th Canton Fair opened in Guangzhou, featuring optimized exhibition zones and over 11,000 specialized enterprises. The event includes new support services and various activities to facilitate business matching.
Guangdong's population of approximately 165 million residents demonstrates strong market vitality. To boost consumption, the province will implement trade-in programs and distribute shopping vouchers for locally manufactured products.
The province is also developing new consumption models and scenarios, while expanding tax-free shopping facilities for international visitors. Currently, Guangdong hosts over 60 port duty-free shops and more than 4,000 tax-refund stores.
International journalists attending the event noted Guangdong's favorable environment and development opportunities, with many conducting follow-up visits to various innovation sites across the province.
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