Guangdong Province has set a national record with its registered market entities exceeding 20 million for the first time, reaching 20.0019 million as of September 3, 2025, accounting for one-tenth of the national total. This marks a net increase of 953,100 entities from the end of 2024, representing a five percent growth rate, solidifying Guangdong's position as China's top province in market entity volume.

(Photo: Nanfang Plus)

The structural optimization is notable: enterprises now exceed nine million, with a 0.83:1 ratio of enterprises to individual businesses. "New economy" entities, including tech, industrial, and digital innovations, have grown significantly. New digital economy firms reached 167,600, reflecting a 25.4 percent year-on-year surge. Private economic organizations constitute 96.45 percent of the total, with private enterprises growing by 10.6 percent to 8.34 million.

Foreign investment confidence has also strengthened, with foreign-invested enterprises reaching 230,000, a 6.97 percent increase. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area attracted 97.7 percent of new foreign enterprises in the province.

Analysts attribute this growth to Guangdong's market-oriented reforms, efficient business environment, and continuous population inflow—over 740,000 new residents in 2024 alone.

Guangdong's average lifespan of enterprises and individual businesses has also extended to 5.24 and 6.01 years, respectively, reflecting enhanced economic resilience. This milestone underscores Guangdong's pivotal role in driving China's economic vitality and innovation.