On January 15, 2025, South China Morning Post (SCMP)hosted its first China Conference at the Nansha Bay Maritime Conference Center in Guangzhou. Over 250 global figures, including policymakers, business leaders, investors, and academics, gathered to explore the opportunities and challenges within the rapidly developing Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The event was an important occasion for discussing the region’s evolving potential. A key moment was the speech by CY Leung, Hong Kong’s former Chief Executive and now an advisor to the Guangzhou Nansha Guangdong-Hong Kong Cooperation Consultation Committee.
Leung discussed the importance of Nansha as a key player in the GBA’s development, noting, “As someone who has visited Nansha nearly 100 times in the last four years, I can confidently say: welcome to Nansha.” He emphasized the region’s robust industrial capabilities, pointing out that Nansha is home to one of China’s largest solid fuel rocket production facilities, as well as major shipyards and automotive manufacturing bases.
Leung also drew attention to Nansha’s expanding role in education and innovation. “In 2025, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and the Hong Kong-Macau Youth School will have notable growth. At the Youth School, enrollment will exceed 1,500 students,” he stated, illustrating how educational infrastructure is developing alongside the industrial and technological advancements in the region.
He went on to highlight the potential for further collaboration between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, particularly in the areas of business and technology. “Hong Kong and mainland cities still have vast untapped cooperation potential. The key obstacle has been a lack of understanding,” Leung explained, calling for improved communication channels to overcome this barrier. His comments underscored the importance of initiatives like the 'Nansha Plan,' which aims to foster stronger ties and cooperation in sectors such as finance, technology, and manufacturing.
The discussions also touched on the ongoing development in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, AI, and clean energy. Industry leaders from across the world were given the chance to explore how these industries might intersect with opportunities within Nansha and the GBA at large.
For those looking to stay ahead of the curve, Nansha is not just a geographical location but a growing symbol of innovation, progress, and cross-border collaboration. The 2025 SCMP China Conference marked the beginning of what promises to be a transformative era for the region — and the world.
[Cover image by Billy Jiang/That's]
0 User Comments