At the High-Quality Development press briefing on March 29th, 2024, hosted by the Information Office of the State Council of China, Guangdong Province Governor Wang Weizhong detailed the region’s strategies for achieving high-quality development, highlighting their role in driving the province’s modernization efforts.
Wang discussed Guangdong’s approach to integrating modern development practices with local characteristics, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation and industrial growth in improving development quality. He noted the province’s practice of initiating its annual development strategy with a conference focused on high-quality development, starting immediately after the Spring Festival Holidays for the past two years.
Guangdong, known for its significant economic output, reported a regional GDP of 13.57 trillion yuan in 2023, approximately 10% of China’s total, maintaining its leading position nationally. The province is home to over 18 million business entities, including 7.8 million enterprises, playing a crucial role in China’s economic landscape.
The province has also worked towards regional integration, particularly with Hong Kong and Macao, to enhance the Greater Bay Area’s connectivity and economic potential. Notable projects include the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and upcoming infrastructure developments like the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Tunnel, aimed at improving regional transportation links.
In terms of innovation, Guangdong is home to a large number of industrial and high-tech enterprises, leading in areas such as PCT international patent applications and other intellectual property metrics. This reflects the province’s focus on fostering an environment conducive to innovation.
Environmental sustainability and public welfare have also been areas of focus for Guangdong. The province has reported improvements in air quality and forest coverage, alongside efforts towards carbon neutrality and enhancing biodiversity. Additionally, Guangdong has worked on improving public services and social security systems to address community needs.
During the press conference, Wang Weizhong and Zhang Hu, the executive vice governor, addressed inquiries from the media on various topics, including economic development, urban-rural integration, foreign investment, and environmental policies, providing insights into Guangdong’s multifaceted development strategy.