An aerial photo of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area on Aug 23, 2021. [Photo/VCG]

Authorities in Guangdong are encouraging overseas Chinese to play a role in realizing the high-quality development of the province.

Guangdong is where a large number of overseas Chinese who have made important contributions have their origins. They have facilitated the leapfrogging development of the province since reform and opening-up policies were adopted, said Huang Kunming, Party secretary of Guangdong. He made the remarks at the China Overseas Chinese Investment Conference in the province's capital, Guangzhou, on Saturday.

Guangdong is offering immense opportunities with the building of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the establishment of Shenzhen as a demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the development of Hengqin, Qianhai and Nansha as major cooperation platforms, he said.

Potential also exists in high-quality development in the province's rural areas.

Guangdong provides sound business and living environments, and the province is improving ecological development and constantly upgrading the market-oriented, legal and international business environment, he said.

Wan Lijun, chairman of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, said at the event that the conference will help build a cooperative and win-win platform between overseas Chinese and local governments. Wan added the federation will strengthen its comprehensive strategic cooperation with Guangdong.

More than 30 million overseas Chinese, who live in more than 160 countries and regions, have their origins in Guangdong and account for over half of all overseas Chinese. About 88,000 returned overseas Chinese and more than 30 million relatives of overseas Chinese live in the province.

Enterprises invested by overseas Chinese make up more than half of the foreign-funded enterprises in Guangdong. Overseas Chinese have also donated about 60 billion yuan ($8.63 billion) for public welfare projects in Guangdong.

Guangdong has been a key place for investment by the Chia Tai Group, said its senior chairman Dhanin Chearavanont.

The group is relying on its complete industrial chain and advanced technology to promote industrialization and modernization of Guangdong's agricultural sector.

Koo Yuen Kim, chairman of Perfect (China) Co, said he has full confidence in the long-term development of the Chinese market. Consumption in China is recovering and the vitality of the market is strengthening, he said.

Chau Chak Wing, chairman of Kingold Group, said the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area presents limitless business opportunities and the province's high-quality development has bright prospects, which will give strong impetus to the global economic recovery.