Ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, China, on November 18 and 19, media representatives from across the Asia Pacific are getting an early taste of Guangdong.
Starting September 2, journalists from APEC economies are touring the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, visiting Guangzhou, Foshan, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Zhuhai and Zhongshan.
They have already received with a special gift: the Guangdong Quality Products Pack.
More than a collection of souvenirs, the pack offers a snapshot of Guangdong, bringing together food, smart technology, beauty products, green energy and creative design.
There are distinctly Cantonese flavors, from mooncakes and herbal candy to three signature Guangdong teas and sugar-free sparkling herbal tea. A portable fan and a green-power charging companion offer practical support on the road, while AI productivity tools and an AI companion panda point to Guangdong's growing digital economy.
Some products tell stories beyond the products themselves. A lychee-inspired charm plays on the Chinese word for good fortune, while a Guangdong visual identity badge brings together cultural symbols ranging from dragon boats and lion dances to white dolphins and kapok flowers.
A digital album featuring 150 images of Guangdong offers delegates another window to know the province, from its cities and countryside to its industries, mountains and coastline.
Fred Wesley, editor-in-chief of The Fiji Times, is visiting Guangdong for the first time. He said the Guangdong Quality Products Pack felt different from other event souvenirs he had received on other occasions around the world. He was particularly drawn to the power bank and AI products, and plans to take them home to share with family and friends.
Fred Wesley, editor-in-chief of The Fiji Times with AI companion panda (Photo: Nanfang Plus)
Frank Senge Kolma, editorial director of Papua New Guinea's The National newspaper, said Guangdong's experience in attracting foreign investment, developing industries and promoting green growth could offer lessons for PNG. "The Guangdong Quality Products Pack has once again given me a personal sense of the deep friendship between our people," he said.
The Guangdong Quality Products Pack reflects the wider story behind Guangdong's manufacturing strength. The province is home to ten industrial clusters, each worth more than one trillion yuan, covering sectors from software and information services to smart home appliances, modern textiles, agriculture and food.
Reporter: Dai Bosi
