The Guangdong Provincial High-quality Development Conference was held on Feb 5 in Guangzhou, the first workday of the Year of the Snake, by the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and People's Government of Guangdong Province.

The conference highlighted discussions on accelerating the buildup of a modern industrial system, to promote Guangdong's high-quality development and modernization in a new year.

Huang Kunming, Party secretary of Guangdong, said that a strong industrial foundation is closely linked to economic prosperity and national strength. Since the beginning of reform and opening-up, the Party has prioritized development, with a firm focus on industrial growth and production. This strategic commitment has led to China's remarkable economic rise and long-term social stability.

For Guangdong, the fundamental path to achieving high-quality development and reasonable numerical growth lies in quickening industrial transformation and upgrading. Guangdong will accelerate the development of new quality productive forces, and solidly promote high-quality development.

Huang added that building a modern industrial system is essential to advance Chinese modernization. Guangdong must take the lead in modernizing its industrial system. By developing a more internationally competitive industrial system, Guangdong will rise as a province with remarkable strength and a high level of Chinese modernization.

Guangdong's industrial system has grown through open cooperation and continuous transformation, and it must now strive to lead in the new wave of technological revolution and industrial change. By optimizing and upgrading its industrial system, Guangdong aims to break out of the middle and low-end markets, seize the high ground, and lead the charge in new sectors, building a new, dynamic Guangdong at the forefront of progress.

The province's industrial system, comprehensive and well-supported, offers vast growth potential. With its experienced foundation and unique advantages, Guangdong should act with confidence and persistence, and make the most of favorable conditions, turning positive factors into tangible results. An industrial system with enhanced international competitiveness will foster a prosperous and vibrant Guangdong, full of economic vitality and energy.

Huang emphasized that modernizing the industrial system is key to quality-driven development. Guangdong should prioritize the real economy, with manufacturing at its core, and make industry and technology mutually contributive forces. The province must further advance traditional industries while fostering emerging sectors, AI and robotics, in particular, building high-tech, high-growth, large-scale industrial pillars. Measures should drive technological innovation, focus on practical needs, and support the commercialization of advanced technologies.

Moreover, Guangdong should deepen integration into global production and innovation networks while boosting technological self-reliance and industry chain control. By fostering world-class enterprises and nurturing small and medium-sized businesses, the province aims to create a dynamic ecosystem. Additionally, Guangdong must continue optimizing the business environment, collaborate with Hong Kong and Macao to build a talent highland and implement initiatives to strengthen the talent foundation for a modern industrial system.

Wang Weizhong, governor of Guangdong, said that this conference aims to inspire the province to lead in advancing Chinese modernization. Efforts should focus on upgrading industries, modernizing industrial chains, and developing emerging sectors like AI and robotics. The province must promote industry-technology integration, enhance innovation, and optimize regional industrial layouts, continuously developing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a new phase. Enterprises should extend to higher levels of the industrial chain, and governments should create a strong, market-driven business environment to support growth.

Yang Yinkai, deputy director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, put forward that a modern industrial system is the material and technological foundation of a modern nation and a key support for advancing Chinese modernization.

Guangdong, with its strong innovation advantages and robust economic foundation, is home to one of the most developed manufacturing sectors globally. The province is expected to continue leading in building a modern industrial system and should be keen on innovation-driven development, supporting the real economy, advancing reforms, expanding high-level openness, and promoting coordinated urban and regional development. Guangdong must implement actions to upgrade traditional industries, develop strategic emerging industry clusters, foster future industries, and optimize the overall industrial ecosystem, accelerating the buildup of a competitive and high-quality modern industrial system.

During the conference, provincial departments also unveiled detailed reports and action plans, outlining new policies to support the transition toward a high-tech, innovation-driven economy. Officials also addressed media inquiries. The event was held both on-site and via live broadcast, with a main venue in Guangzhou and sub-venues across all prefecture-level cities and counties. The livestream received broad participation, highlighting the high level of attention and strategic importance placed on Guangdong's industrial transformation.