Guangzhou's Nansha celebrates 20th anniversary with ambitious development goals

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Nansha district in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong province, and the 10th anniversary of its establishment as a pilot free trade zone.

Playing a key role in Guangzhou's high-quality development, Nansha is poised to offer a wave of new opportunities, solidifying its status as the city's "future development nucleus".

In 2022, the State Council released a comprehensive plan for Nansha to deepen cooperation with Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, outlining a historic mission to turn it into a strategic platform rooted in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area while engaging globally. This blueprint set ambitious development targets for Nansha to achieve by 2025 and 2035.

Currently, Nansha is leveraging the plan to promote reform, opening-up, and innovation. The district is strategically advancing the interconnected development of its seaport, airport, digital, financial and talent hub, aiming to become a pivotal engine for the development of the Bay Area.

On Jan 2, the first working day of the year, Nansha hosted a major conference on technological innovation and industrial development, unveiling a comprehensive set of policies promoting the complementary strengths of technological and industrial innovation.

Key initiatives include policies focusing on marine technology, aerospace technology, biopharmaceuticals, and the digital economy, tailored to Nansha's unique strengths.

With a flourishing ecosystem of pillar industries and strategic emerging sectors, Nansha is witnessing a surge in innovative momentum. The district has established 189 provincial-level engineering and technology research centers, and 34 enterprise technology innovation centers, while attracting nearly 1,300 high-tech enterprises and over 1,100 specialized and innovative firms.

In 2024, Nansha saw a remarkable 165.7 percent year-on-year growth in the number of newly established enterprises, leading the city of Guangzhou in growth. The district's dynamic progress underscores its commitment to fostering high-quality development and driving innovation, positioning Nansha as a beacon of growth and opportunity in the city.