The role of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area sparks discussion during the ISIF events. CHINA DAILY

At the just-ended 2024 Imperial Springs International Forum, the role of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in driving regional development and as a bridge to the outside world was further emphasized by the event's attendees.

"I think this is quite an interesting combination because you have different systems. You have Macao, you have Hong Kong, you have Guangdong. I think this is a fantastic conglomeration of people and with enormous potential," said Wolfgang Schussel, former chancellor of Austria.

"It's not only Hong Kong which is changing or is influenced by the mainland, but also Hong Kong and Macao are now influencing the mainland; a lot of experiments and openness and functioning ideas are now taking ground in (the) mainland."

Recalling his impression of Guangzhou, he said, it's interesting to see that half of the cars are now either fully electric or hybrid and that Guangzhou has much better charging infrastructure than in Europe, so that people can charge their cars almost everywhere in Guangzhou.

"I see Guangdong a powerhouse not only for China but for the world. I see technology, a well-organized economy, and robust capability for international cooperation," said Csaba Korosi, president of the 77th United Nations General Assembly.

"We need many provinces, centers, and a willingness to work with the rest of the world. The more bridges we build, the better chances we all have," Korosi said.

Jenny Shipley, former prime minister of New Zealand, considers the Greater Bay Area a progressive region.

"I think the proximity to Hong Kong and the opening-up of that connection are giving a very international flavor that's increasing in terms of Guangzhou and Guangdong province's role," she said, adding that great potential can be expected in the cooperation between the GBA and New Zealand in the future. In particular, she referred to the banking and infrastructure sectors, the innovation-driven sectors, film and some space technology areas.

"Our experience is that when you are open, you can mutually succeed together," Shipley said.

Currently, Guangdong is accelerating the construction of the GBA. Its advantages can help the area to better integrate into the global industrial layout, especially in frontier fields such as artificial intelligence, said Xue Lan, dean of Schwarzman College in Tsinghua University. "Comprehensive strength is the key," he said.

Yao Yao, professor of the Center for International Communication Studies at the Communication University of China, noted that the GBA plays an important role in China's deepening reform and the expansion of opening-up.

The area has been a key force for trade and communication with the world throughout China's modern and contemporary history. It even reflects the process of global economic integration trends since the 16th century. All these experiences and histories can benefit China's opening-up process at a new starting point, Yao said.