While facing the COVID-19 pandemic, China has become the only major economy globally to end up with positive GDP growth in 2020. This year marks the beginning of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (FYP) period, and the 14th FYP, as a key blueprint for China’s economic and social development in the next five years, has drawn global attention.

Now China’s annual Two Sessions, NPC and CPPCC, have started, and the 14th FYP will be a hot topic during the Two Sessions. How to further the development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Shenzhen demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics with high quality during the 14th FYP period? Many people are expecting new achievements in these areas.

On this occasion, GDToday & Newsgd.com have invited GZ consuls general from six continents to share their views and expectations on the Greater Bay Area.

——Amb. Ewnetu Bilata Debela, CG of Ethiopia in Guangzhou

“South China, especially Guangdong, and the bay area, as you said, is the center of the Belt and Road. So, Ethiopia is also really benefiting from these areas development as well.”

——Hosseinali Darvishi Motevalli, CG of Iran in Guangzhou

“The Area is a hub of industry, finance and transportation as well. It shows the vast capacities of the region for cooperation with Iran in several fields.”

——Carlos López, Acting CG of Ecuador in Guangzhou

“Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is really important for Ecuador. This area boasts an incredible potential because of its development and economic growth and for becoming such an important innovation and science hub.”

——Jan Kühn von Burgsdorff, CG of Germany in Guangzhou

“I think the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has huge potential to further intensify the great business relationships and the great cultural relationships with countries from around the world, including Germany.”

——Michiel Bierkens, CG of Netherlands in Guangzhou

“Speaking about Guangdong province, we have for instance, the Hong Kong - Macao-Zhuhai Bridge. Those engineers have been participating in that. And we note a lot of new infrastructure projects coming up.”

——Rebekah Mawson, CG of New Zealand in Guangzhou

“We have been following the development of the Great Bay Area with a lot of interest. It provides a platform for regional cooperation and integration.”

——Harisharan Pudasaini, CG of Nepal in Guangzhou

"Due to its industrial strength, advanced infrastructure, vigorous human resources, the Greater Bay Area will provide a common business platform for us. So I think this Greater Bay Area will provide important opportunities for our investment, tourism, trade and business."

——Loh Tuck Keat, CG of Singapore in Guangzhou

“Guangdong has given top priority to innovation, science and technology. There are two very important platforms for bilateral cooperation between Guangdong and Singapore. One is the Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City (SSGKC), and the other is a smart city project in Shenzhen, which provides a very good platform to deepen our cooperation in the future.”

Planning: Zhao Yang, Zhang Ying

Director: Ouyang Yan, Hu Nan

Reporter: Fanny, Monica, Keane, Hannah, Jasmine, Will

Script: Nan, Fanny

Video editor: Alice

Copy Editor: Jerry

Design: Mia

Source: GDToday & Newsgd.com