During the 2026 Asia-Pacific Media High-Level Forum, international delegates toured multiple cities across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), to gain first-hand insight into the region's development.

Aboard Guangzhou Metro Line 18—China's first fully underground express line with a top speed of 160 km/h and the fastest metro in the GBA—the delegates experienced a smooth, quiet ride in spacious, well-appointed carriages, comparable to high-speed rail. Maldives' Ambassador to China, Fazeel Najeeb, on his first Guangzhou metro trip, called it "modern, convenient, and swift." Sen Sang, Head of Public Relations at Cambodia's Royal Academy, noted its futuristic edge and expressed keen interest in bringing similar technology to Cambodia.

At the Nansha Port Phase IV fully automated terminal—the world's first integrated river sea rail automated facility—delegates observed from the viewing deck as shore cranes precisely handled containers and Beidou guided unmanned vehicles moved seamlessly across the yard. The entire 5G  and AI powered system operates with minimal staffing, a point underscored by Nguyen Dung Anh, Acting Dean of Vietnam's Diplomatic Academy. Professor Samitha Hettige, Chairman of Sri Lanka's Institute of Biotechnology, praised the terminal as a model for the future, noting its operating model holds valuable lessons for all developing nations.

From cutting edge rail systems to world class infrastructure, the GBA continues to impress international visitors while unlocking practical opportunities for trade and livelihood cooperation under APEC.