The first convention of overseas Chinese and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development is scheduled to be held in Guangzhou from November 11th to 15th. It will see almost 500 overseas Chinese elites from 108 countries and regions in the fields of politics, economics, technology, education and media in attendance.

The event is being held by the People's Government of Guangdong Province and the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council. With emphasis on improving the development of the GBA and the Belt and Road Initiative, guests will be illuminated on the area's current situation through keynote speeches, promotional conferences, policy briefings, cultural performances and a field trip.

"As an important strategy, the development of the GBA provides essential opportunities for Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao and overseas Chinese," said Pang Guomei, the Vice Director of United Front Department of the Guangdong Provincial Committee and the Director of the Guangdong Overseas Chinese Affairs Office.

The convention takes advantage of Guangdong being the ancestral home of over 30 million overseas Chinese: enabling overseas Chinese to exchange with each other and visit the nine cities of Guangdong in the GBA.

During the event, these nine cities will introduce their strategies, positions and specific measures toward furthering the development of the GBA. The convention will provide policy documents and exhibitions with the hopes of attracting investment.

At present, there are 62 thousand enterprises invested in by overseas Chinese, and Hong Kong and Macao investors. In total accounting for over 60 percent of the province's overseas-funded enterprises, and they are mainly concentrated in the GBA.

With advantages in the fields of economy, technology and culture, the overseas Chinese will play a more significant role in the development of the GBA, especially in the development of a free trade zone, infrastructure interconnection, manufacturing, trade, innovation and many other aspects.

Reported by Will, Wang Yifan

Edited by Simon