China is pushing out 20 new measures aimed at accelerating the development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) across five main areas, including standards and mechanism alignment, science and technology innovation, new business models and formats, logistics, and crossborder openness. 

The various measures were outlined at a press conference in Guangzhou reported by Chinese media yesterday.

The plan mentions facilitating smooth cross-border travel within the GBA by putting in place a high-efficiency “one-stop” inspection method for Macao and Hong Kong vehicles travelling to Guangdong, and Guangdong vehicles journeying to the two SARs. 

The authorities said they would also explore more convenient custom clearance measures for food products with a short shelf life being transported to Hong Kong and Macao. This includes reducing the frequency of inspections upon arrival at a checkpoint and boosting the efficiency of clearance. 

Meanwhile, the document stated that the movement of fresh food products into mainland China would be facilitated through connectivity between the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Maco Bridge, as well as the air and maritime logistics network of the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park.

Custom officials voiced support for expanding the scope of scientific research items allowed to enter China. The paper also suggested bonded supervision and the simplification of documentation required for the importation of materials and parts needed for biomedicine research. 

[See more: Between policy and belonging: Can a Greater Bay Area identity truly exist?]

Support will also be given to comprehensive bonded zones and bonded logistics centres in districts that require them. Unlike their traditional custom zones and logistic facilities, the new zones and centres will offer a higher degree of openness, as well as streamlined measures. 

Logistics is another key component of the plan, with the authorities calling for an expansion of the GBA’s “Integrated Port (One Port Pass)” routes, the promotion of intermodal transport pilot projects, and support for the construction of aviation cargo terminals.

To foster greater crossborder openness, the document mentions supporting the scheme that will enable Macao vehicles with Hengqin permits to enter Guangdong province, as well as piloting the mutual sharing and recognition of customs inspection results. According to the authorities, such measures will help to facilitate the import of Macao-labelled food products and foster the integrated development of Hengqin and Macao’s industries. 

Correspondingly, the paper called for the coordinated development of the “one zone, two parks” framework in Hetao, an innovation and technology cooperation zone anchored by Hong Kong Park and Shenzhen Park. 

At yesterday’s press conference, customs officials also revealed that foreign trade across the GBA’s nine mainland cities had reached a value of 3.37 trillion yuan (US$495 billion) in the first four months of this year, up 18.4 percent year-on-year. 

When compared to the same period last year, the GBA’s share of China’s overall foreign trade volume grew by 0.6 percent to 20.7 percent. Meanwhile, data cited by CCTV revealed that the region accounted for nearly a fourth of China’s total foreign trade growth during the first four months of 2026.