Hong Kong official highlights Greater Bay Area cooperation at Guangzhou forum
Hong Kong's commerce chief addressed the 2026 International Bay Area Economic Forum in Guangzhou, stressing Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao collaboration. She noted record numbers of foreign firms and start-ups in Hong Kong, and said a government task force has helped 300 mainland firms expand overseas vi
Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development spoke at the 2026 International Bay Area Economic Forum in Guangzhou on 7 November, calling for deeper cooperation among the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's three jurisdictions. The forum, organised by the Guangzhou粤港澳大湾区研究院, the Hong Kong-based Better Hong Kong Foundation and the Macau Foundation, aims to foster global bay-area exchanges.
The official noted that the first World Bay Area Economic Forum was successfully held in Hong Kong last year, and that this year's event in Guangzhou "further expands exchanges and co-operation among global bay areas, fully reflecting the shared vision of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in promoting the Greater Bay Area's development."
She described the Greater Bay Area as a key window for national reform and opening-up, and a major engine for high-quality growth. Hong Kong offers an international business environment and global trade networks, Guangdong has strong manufacturing and innovation, and Macao provides unique advantages in China-Portugal trade and cultural ties.
The official highlighted that Hong Kong was again ranked the world's freest economy last month, and that in 2025 both the number of overseas and mainland parent companies with offices in Hong Kong and the number of local start-ups reached record highs. "This reflects Hong Kong's attractiveness to international enterprises and entrepreneurial talent," she said.
She noted that the Chief Executive's 2026 policy address and the city's first five-year plan, both announced in September, outline Hong Kong's development blueprint. The Northern Territory will be a key growth driver, promoting innovation and closer ties with Shenzhen and other Greater Bay Area cities. Hong Kong will also strengthen its roles as an international financial, shipping and trade centre and accelerate its innovation and technology hub.
The government's mainland enterprises overseas task force, set up last year, has helped 300 mainland firms set up or expand operations in Hong Kong. The official said this demonstrates Hong Kong's role as a platform for mainland companies going global. She also said Hong Kong will continue to work with the Ministry of Commerce to upgrade the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), seeking wider market access and more openings for Hong Kong's professional services and talent.