On April 15, China's State Council Information Office held a press conference in Guangzhou under the theme "Embarking on the 15th Five-Year Plan", outlining Guangdong's ambitious push to expand high-level opening up and transform the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a world-class city cluster and global innovation hub.

The briefing drew 86 journalists from 52 Chinese and international media outlets. During the session, Chinese and foreign reporters directed questions to Guangdong officials on a range of issues concerning the province's development.

Officials highlighted the Greater Bay Area's remarkable economical achievements: in 2025, the region generated roughly $2.15 trillion in GDP, accounting for one-ninth of China's total economic output, while covering just 0.6 percent of the nation's land and housing only six percent of its population. 

The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster, as noted, now ranks first globally, a clear signal that Guangdong's commitment to fostering an open, inclusive environment for science and technology is yielding tangible results.

On a question about Guangdong's 2026 GDP growth target of 4.5 to 5 percent, Zhang Hu, executive vice-governor of Guangdong Province, expressed firm confidence. 

He described the target as one that requires a bit of a stretch but remains firmly within reach. "This is the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, and a steady pace of growth is essential to build a stronger foundation for future adjustments and risk management," Zhang explained. 

He pointed to encouraging early indicators from the first two months of the year: industrial output above designated size saw a year-on-year growth of 7.9 percent, investment trends turned positive, and foreign trade posted double-digit growth. These figures, he said, point toward a solid first-quarter performance. 

Zhang also noted that Guangdong's resident population holds steady at around 165 million, a vivid reflection of the province's enduring appeal and economic vitality. Looking further ahead, he cited the momentum from artificial intelligence in boosting the electronics manufacturing sector and the upcoming APEC meetings as key opportunities to attract more international talent and investment. 

"With policy measures working in tandem and the recovery gaining steam, we are fully capable of meeting this year's target and shouldering the responsibility that comes with being an economic leader," he added.

The press conference also coincided with the opening of the 139th Canton Fair in Guangzhou. Responding to a question from Phoenix TV about new measures to help companies seize opportunities in global markets, Zhang Jinsong, director-general of the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province, detailed a series of upgrades designed to enhance the fair's role as a premier global trading platform. 

He noted that this year's edition surpasses previous ones in scale, spanning 1.55 million square meters of exhibition space, featuring more than 75,700 booths, and hosting over 32,000 exhibitors. Among the most notable changes are nine new specialized exhibition zones dedicated to products such as smart wearables, advanced display technology, consumer-grade drones, and prefabricated housing—sectors that reflect the evolving trends in international trade. 

The lineup of participating companies has also been refreshed, with more than 11,000 specialized and high-growth innovative firms from Guangdong alone taking part, ensuring that global buyers have access to cutting-edge suppliers. 

To facilitate seamless business connections, the fair has established a one-stop service center for demand matching and will host a full schedule of supporting events, including high-level forums and new product launches. 

"We are refining every aspect of the Canton Fair experience," Zhang Jinsong said, "to ensure it remains the essential gateway for global trade."