The 2026 Guangdong Provincial High-Quality Development Conference was held on February 24, the first workday after the Chinese New Year holiday in Guangzhou. This year's conference focused on promoting the coordinated development of the manufacturing and service industries.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Guangdong, which has maintained its position as China's leading economic province for 37 years, has hosted this high-profile conference. The gathering aimed to pool the province's resources and efforts toward achieving high-quality development goals.
As 2026 marks the opening year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), it is a pivotal moment for Guangdong to secure a strong start for the years ahead.
Huang Kunming, Secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, delivered a keynote speech, stressing the promotion of coordinated development between manufacturing and services, calling for building an integrated, modern industrial system through deeper coordination between the two sectors. Noting Guangdong's strengths in digital and intelligent technologies, Huang said the province will leverage these advantages to develop a modern industrial system that leads the times. With a comprehensive industrial system, robust supply capacity and a permanent population, Guangdong foster a modern industrial system that delivers tangible benefits to the people.
Huang emphasized that Guangdong will build a robust industrial system to continue to advance emerging, future-oriented industries and the service industry. Guangdong will activate business entities, supporting different types of enterprises. The province will also cultivate a solid foundation for technological innovation and foster a thriving business environment.
A video highlighting the province's achievements in coordinated manufacturing-services development was played at the conference. During the speech session, Ke Jixin, Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology, outlined relevant policy arrangements. Officials from selected cities and counties, as well as representatives of Chinese and foreign enterprises and institutions, also give speeches.
Hu Jianjun, Vice President of Siemens China, said Guangdong's deepening institutional opening-up, accelerated integration into global innovation networks, and continued optimization of the business environment are releasing institutional dividends and market potential, making the province an irreplaceable investment destination for multinational companies.
Haryono Lim, President of Mega Projects Asia, BASF, said the company remains firmly optimistic about Guangdong and will work to build a green, low-carbon and sustainable chemical industry cluster.
Relevant provincial authorities also released a white paper on the coordinated development of the manufacturing and service industries, interpreting supporting policies.
Reporters: Dai Bosi
Photo: Deng Yingheng
