The 2026 Global Investment Promotion Conference for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), jointly hosted by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, was held in Guangzhou on November 3.

Under the theme "Invest in the Greater Bay Area for a Brighter Future," this year's conference showcased Guangdong's latest progress in high-level opening-up and the GBA's new industrial opportunities, with the aim of drawing global capital and talent to the region.

The conference focused on industrial synergy and project matchmaking. Participating companies went on "GBA Tour" investment site visits, while the nine cities of the Pearl River Delta each hosted supporting events. Industry-specific sessions on biopharmaceuticals, high-end medical devices, big data, artificial intelligence and integrated circuits drew strong interest from Chinese and international companies.

Organizers also unveiled the "Investment Star Cities" list, the "Invest in Guangdong" AI investment promotion model and a list of major investment projects. Meanwhile, a roundtable for multinational corporations was held, where representatives of companies including ABB (Switzerland), Hyundai Motor (South Korea), Électricité de France and BASF (Germany) expressed strong confidence in expanding their presence in the GBA.

Wong Yau Chung, CEO of Advanced MedTech Holdings (AMTH), spoke about China's evolving role and the GBA's business environment. He pointed out that the real opportunity lies in seeing China not merely as a consumer market but as a birthplace of new ideas. Stressing the region's long-term potential, he said: "Although the world's economy is uncertain, all the more we want to invest in China. The future is here in China."

Marko Murtonen, Senior Vice President of BASF and General Manager of BASF's Zhanjiang Verbund Site, highlighted the company's flagship investment in Guangdong and the region's strong growth momentum. He said BASF's megaproject in Zhanjiang had been completed on schedule safely thanks to practical support from local governments and close collaboration with Chinese partners. He added that BASF remains committed to long-term growth, green transformation and smart manufacturing in the GBA.