Co-organized by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the People's Government of Guangdong Province, a series of events themed Set Sail for the 15th Five-Year Plan: China's Growth, World's Opportunity (Guangdong) kicked off in Guangzhou on June 1, bringing together 60 diplomatic envoys and officials from 37 countries for visits to cities across Guangdong, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Zhongshan, over the coming days.
The events will showcase Guangdong's local practices in advancing Chinese modernization during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030). They aim to create a new window for openness and integrated development, connect local regions with global resources, expand channels for international cooperation, and share the dividends and opportunities of Chinese modernization with the international community.
Meng Fanli, Governor of Guangdong Province, said that Guangdong is an important part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The province stands as a hub of innovation in China, ranking first nationwide in regional innovation capability for nine consecutive years, with the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster rising to the top globally. Guangdong also boasts a well-established modern industrial system, featuring a full range of sectors and a massive industrial scale.
The Governor added that Guangdong warmly welcomes all kinds of exchanges, including investment and trade, cultural exchanges, sightseeing, tourism, leisure, and more.
Marcel Suarez Salvia, Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to China, noted in his speech that ties between Argentina and Guangdong are "close, deep, and strong," and that when people around the world think of China's economic transformation, Guangdong naturally comes to mind.
He described the Canton Fair as "the first gateway to China" for many Argentine entrepreneurs and business representatives, and called Guangdong "a valued partner for the future."
Selçuk Ünal, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to China, recognized Guangdong as "a global center of trade, innovation, and economic dynamism," noting that trade between Guangdong Province and Türkiye reached USD 7.8 billion in 2025, accounting for nearly 50% of Türkiye's total trade with China. He said he hopes cooperation between the two sides will continue to flourish and grow stronger.
Ebolo Emmanuel, Consul General of the Republic of the Congo in Guangzhou, said that across China, especially in Guangdong Province, he has witnessed a country changing and advancing rapidly before people's eyes, from new technologies and infrastructure construction to renewable energy.
He expressed appreciation for the reforms carried out by China, saying they have not only improved living conditions for the Chinese people and eradicated poverty nationwide, but also allowed the outcomes of China's development model and strategies to be shared with the rest of the world through channels such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
He also said he looks forward to seeing China become more prosperous at the conclusion of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030), offering even more development opportunities to the world.
In 2025, Guangdong's GDP reached 14.58 trillion yuan, ranking first in China for the 37th consecutive year. In the first quarter of 2026, the province's GDP grew by 4.6% year-on-year, maintaining strong momentum and continuously leading the nation in total economic output.
Reporter | Guo Chuhua
Photo | Guo Chuhua
