China’s Guangdong Province Launches 2026 Agenda To Integrate Manufacturing, Services

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Guangdong province unveiled its 2026 economic agenda at a High-Quality Development Conference on Feb 24, outlining plans to more closely integrate its manufacturing base with its expanding services sector.

Provincial leaders said the strategy is designed to strengthen Guangdong’s role as one of China’s most dynamic economic regions by upgrading its industrial structure and building a “modern industrial system” in which advanced manufacturing and modern services reinforce each other.

Guangdong Party Secretary, Huang Kunming said closer integration is increasingly important as global industries become more digital, technology-driven and service-orientated, noting that the province is already a major manufacturing hub as well as a centre for finance, logistics, trade and technology services.

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Digitalisation and artificial intelligence were identified as core drivers of the new agenda. Guangdong’s large industrial clusters, data resources and real-world application scenarios position it to lead in smart manufacturing, industrial internet platforms and integrated “manufacturing + services” solutions, while the real economy will remain the policy priority.

The province will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises, specialised manufacturers and innovation-focused firms, including highly specialised “little giant” companies, single-product manufacturing champions and leading service providers.

Guangdong aims to strengthen industrial ecosystems by fostering platform-based companies that link supply chains, research institutions and service providers, and by extending technological innovation into traditional industries, according to a statement.

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Talent development and openness were highlighted as key enablers. Guangdong plans to further develop the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a high-level talent hub and continue its programme to attract one million professionals, while drawing more international resources into both manufacturing and services and supporting local companies’ overseas expansion.

Officials said the branding of “Guangdong Manufacturing” and “Guangdong Services” will be strengthened ahead of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030).

-- BERNAMA