Over 440 overseas Chinese elites in the fields of politics, economics, technology gathered in Guangzhou on November 12th for the first overseas Chinese Greater Bay Area conference. The conference saw the launch of an initiative to appeal all overseas Chinese to play a more significant role in the development of the GBA.

The first overseas Chinese Greater Bay Area conference was held on November 12th.

It is quite essential to hold this kind of conference to promote cooperation and enhance friendship with overseas Chinese, and discuss prospects and development opportunities in the GBA, said Li Xi, secretary of the CPC Guangdong provincial committee, during the opening speech.

At present, the development of the GBA is progressing well with increasing inflow of capital, technology and talent. Overseas Chinese are hoped to be a bridge between China and other regions, and to actively participate in the area's development.

Xu Yousheng, director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, pointed out that the large amount of overseas Chinese bring with them economic strength, intellect and business contacts. They can become both contributors and beneficiaries of the region's development. They are encouraged to help boost opening-up and reinforce the competitiveness of the area.

At the conference, an initiative was issued launched seeking advice for establishing the world class bay area and city cluster, promoting the GBA to more overseas Chinese and foreign investors, enhance exchange with residents on the Chinese mainland, as well as in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.

During the event, nine cities in the Pearl River Delta introduced their strategies, positions and specific measures toward furthering the development of the GBA.

In addition to keynote speeches, promotional conferences, policy briefings, and a cultural performance, guests will take a field trip to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Dongguan, Jiangmen from November 13rd to 14th.

Overseas Chinese enthusiastic about GBA development

Xu Rongmao, president of the China Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs, chairman of the board of Shimao Property Holdings Ltd.

"Both Guangdong and Hong Kong have a lot of overseas Chinese businessmen. This event not only provides an effective cooperation platform for overseas Chinese to participate in the construction of GBA, but also gifts overseas Chinese an opportunity for exchange (among themselves)," said Xu Rongmao, president of the China Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs, chairman of the board of Shimao Property Holdings Ltd.

Xu urged overseas Chinese, as well as Hong Kong and Macao residents to seize the development opportunities inherent in industrial cooperation in the GBA, while also promoting cultural cooperation and exchange, maintaining the regions cultural heritage while encouraging innovative development.

"I am very confident in the new development trend in the GBA," said Zhou Zerong, president of the Australia-China Relationship Association and Chairman of Kingold Group Co., Ltd.

In the era of developing the GBA, overseas Chinese should establish close partnerships with Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. With the integration of the area's resources, overseas Chinese can help GBA companies to go global.