Global conference launches new opportunities for GBA investment

The 2026 Global Investment Promotion Conference for the Greater Bay Area (GBA) officially commenced in Guangzhou on 3 November. The annual event highlights Guangdong’s ongoing progress in unlocking fresh opportunities for industrial collaboration across the region.

Organisers noted that the event serves as a broad platform for both domestic and international enterprises to pursue cooperation. According to China Daily, It is designed to attract increased global capital and top-tier talent to converge within the region, further strengthening GBA investment initiatives.

[See more: China unveils new financial guidelines to drive GBA sci-tech innovation by 2030]

Wang Wentao, minister of commerce, delivered a video speech during the themed conference, emphasising the tangible results achieved through the concerted efforts of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in deepening regional development.

“As this year kicks off the 15th Five-Year Plan period spanning from 2026 to 2030, the Ministry of Commerce will join the three regions to vigorously advance the Greater Bay Area’s high-quality growth, lift external opening-up, bolster inter-regional collaboration, leverage each region’s distinctive strengths, and jointly support Chinese modernization development,” Wang stated.

Driving economic growth through GBA investment

According to China Daily, Wang described the region as a prime destination characterised by vibrant growth, extensive opening-up, a complete industrial chain, and a top-tier business climate. Wang urged investors and business representatives worldwide to seize upcoming opportunities, enhance exchanges, broaden cooperation, and build a mutual future.

Meng Fanli, governor of Guangdong, stated that his province will continue pressing ahead with deeper reforms and broader high-level opening-up. He pledged to build a first-class business climate and industrial ecosystem, ensuring a superior environment for investment, innovation, entrepreneurship, and daily life.

Meanwhile, John Lee Ka-chiu, chief executive of Hong Kong, highlighted the city’s unique position under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. He affirmed that Hong Kong remains dedicated to helping build the region into an internationally competitive world-class bay area and city cluster, continuing to act as a vital super connector and super value-adder linking global markets.

[See more: Greater Bay Area firms battle talent mismatch amid cautious hiring]

Chief Executive of Macao Sam Hou-fai added that Macao will utilise its distinctive connectivity advantages to step up investment promotion, integrate key industries with regional resources, and boost collaborative innovation. Building upon integrated Macao and Hengqin development, Macao will collaborate closely with Guangdong and Hong Kong to accelerate regional goals.

Adding an industrial perspective, Jean-Philippe Lamarcade, EDF Group vice-president and chairman of EDF China, pointed out that Guangdong’s primary advantage rests within its mature industrial ecosystem, where customers, suppliers, constructors, and elite talent concentrate locally to achieve high synergistic efficiency.

China Daily reports that the high-profile event was jointly hosted by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, featuring comprehensive policy promotion, on-the-spot investigations, and targeted business talks.