Encompassing 11 major cities, over 71 million people, and five international airports in an area the size of Croatia, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) represents China’s biggest gateway to the outside world. A new development plan aims to transform the region into a world-leading economic and business hub on par with other globally-recognized metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, Tokyo and New York.

Championed as an opportunity to create a more vibrant ecosystem and improve the quality of life for millions of people, the project seeks to leverage the complementary strengths of three areas which collectively represent roughly 12% of the country’s annual GDP (2016). The GBA aims to serve as a vital blueprint for cooperation between the Chinese Mainland and the country’s two Special Administrative Regions (SARs). However, integrating these three very large and very diverse areas presents immense practical challenges.

Differing degrees of market orientation, as well as attitudes towards fair competition and international business standards may present complications. Furthermore, with the global economy in downturn and China facing slowing economic growth, geopolitical headwinds and increasing pressure to ‘go green’, the road ahead is anything but assured. At this critical stage in region’s development, how will things play out as we move from plan to practice? What will it take in terms of infrastructure, talent and more to transform the GBA? And, how will changes impact both foreign and Chinese businesses in the region?

Join us in Hong Kong on June 2 to find out.