Guangdong focuses on coordinated development of manufacturing and services sectors in 2026

GUANGZHOU, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Guangdong province launched its 2026 economic agenda at a High-Quality Development Conference on February 24, outlining plans to more closely integrate its powerful 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.

Huang Kunming, Party Secretary of Guangdong, told participants that deeper coordination between manufacturing and services is essential as global industries become increasingly digital, technology-driven and service-oriented. Guangdong is already one of China’s largest manufacturing hubs and a key center for finance, logistics, trade and technology services. The next step, officials said, is to move further up the value chain through stronger cross-sector integration.

Digitalization and artificial intelligence were highlighted as central drivers. With extensive industrial clusters, strong data resources and broad real-world application scenarios, Guangdong sees opportunities to lead in smart manufacturing, industrial internet platforms and integrated “manufacturing + services” solutions.

The province plans to prioritize the real economy while accelerating the transformation of its services sector toward higher efficiency and greater value-added output. Policymakers emphasized continued support for small and medium-sized enterprises, specialized manufacturers and innovation-focused firms. Highly specialized SMEs—often referred to in China as “little giants”—will remain a key focus, alongside single-product manufacturing champions and leading service providers.

Strengthening industrial ecosystems is another priority. Guangdong aims to cultivate platform-based companies that connect supply chains, research institutions and service providers, promoting collaboration in core and shared technologies. Officials stressed that scientific and technological innovation should extend beyond emerging sectors and benefit traditional industries as well.

Talent development will underpin these efforts. Guangdong plans to further develop the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a high-level talent hub and continue implementing its program to attract one million professionals. The goal is to build a workforce combining technical expertise, digital skills and cross-sector experience.

Leaders also reaffirmed the province’s commitment to openness. Guangdong intends to attract more international resources in both manufacturing and services while supporting local companies in expanding overseas. By strengthening the brands “Guangdong Manufacturing” and “Guangdong Services,” the province aims to enhance its global competitiveness ahead of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030).