The ongoing Two Sessions have set a new goal for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in this year’s government report: to build a world-class city cluster and an international center for technological innovation.

In 2025, China saw the emergence of six “3-trillion-RMB cities,” half of which—Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong—are located in the GBA, underscoring the rise of a globally influential bay area. According to experts, these three cities are geographically close and functionally complementary. Shenzhen serves as China’s hub for technological innovation, Hong Kong as a global financial center and gateway to international resources, and Guangzhou as a comprehensive hub for politics and the economy. By integrating these cities, the GBA has formed a highly concentrated zone of economic activity and talent, positioning itself as a key driver of growth and innovation.

A CPPCC National Committee member from Shenzhen suggested that cities within the GBA should deepen integration in production, innovation, supply chains, finance, and even social governance. He proposed establishing “Bay Area rules and standards” to break down administrative boundaries and create a more unified regional ecosystem. Members from Hong Kong, meanwhile, called for a coordinated mechanism for GBA-themed exhibitions and events—ranging from sports competitions to trade fairs—to further enhance collaboration across the region.