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Guangdong, the largest province in China in terms of gross domestic product, aims to double its economic output by 2035 and elevate its per capita GDP to levels comparable with moderately developed nations. The provincial leadership has set these ambitious targets as part of its long-term development plan.
Beginning in 2022, Guangdong intends to achieve socialist modernization within approximately 13 years, significantly strengthening its economic, technological, and overall national capabilities. This plan is outlined in the recently released proposal for the 15th Five-Year Plan for the province’s economic and social development.
In 2022, Guangdong’s Economy surpassed CNY 13 trillion (about USD 1.8 trillion) for the first time, and it exceeded CNY 14 trillion in the subsequent year. To reach twice the 2022 figure by 2035, the province must sustain an average annual growth rate of roughly 5.5 percent.
Achieving balanced development across all regions is essential for reaching this goal. Experts highlight that nine cities within the Pearl River Delta contribute over 80 percent of Guangdong’s gross domestic product, while other areas lag substantially behind. Addressing this regional imbalance is a key part of the strategy.
The plan calls for encouraging industries in the Pearl River Delta to relocate to surrounding regions. This includes accelerating the development of special cooperation zones like Shenzhen-Shanwei and Guangzhou-Qingyuan, as well as expanding port economic zones in Shantou and Zhanjiang to foster integrated growth throughout the province.
Guangdong also aims to capitalize on its manufacturing prowess by upgrading traditional industries and expanding emerging sectors. The focus will be on developing an “artificial intelligence + robotics” industrial cluster combining software and hardware, alongside boosting strategic industries such as new energy, new materials, commercial aerospace, and low-altitude economy.
Furthermore, the province seeks to lay the foundation for future high-tech industries, including quantum technology, biomanufacturing, hydrogen energy, brain-computer interfaces, and sixth-generation mobile communication technologies. These efforts are intended to advance Guangdong’s position along the global industrial and value chains, reducing dependence on conventional manufacturing and low-end industries.
As the economy grows larger, maintaining a consistent growth rate becomes increasingly challenging. Therefore, Guangdong plans to deepen institutional reforms and create a more business-friendly environment. Strengthening the private sector and unlocking economic potential during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030) are seen as vital steps toward sustainable development.
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