Wang Yi outlines APEC priorities as Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA emerges as key cooperation platform

CHINA is positioning the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a crucial platform for Asia-Pacific cooperation as it hosts APEC 2026, with senior officials from member economies having convene in Guangzhou from February 1 to 10.

Against a backdrop of challenging global trade conditions, the First Senior Officials’ Meeting placed emphasis on strengthening cooperation and connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region.

According to China’s Guandong province-based English language mobile portal “South”, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi used the plenary session to set out China’s priorities for its APEC chairmanship year. His agenda includes three main objectives: enhancing linkages between different regional free trade agreements, building momentum towards establishing a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, and accelerating digital, intelligent, and green transformations throughout APEC member economies.

The choice of Guangzhou as the venue holds strategic significance. The city serves as the heart of the Greater Bay Area, a region that encompasses nine cities in Guangdong province alongside Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.

By hosting delegates in this location, China aims to demonstrate how the Greater Bay Area functions as a model for regional economic integration. The area has become known for its cross-border collaboration mechanisms, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and innovation ecosystems that span multiple jurisdictions.

Reports from the meeting indicate that officials and experts discussed how the Greater Bay Area’s development experience could inform broader APEC cooperation initiatives, particularly in areas such as technological innovation, sustainable development, and seamless cross-border trade facilitation.

The gathering marks the beginning of China’s year-long APEC chairmanship, during which Beijing will host multiple high-level meetings culminating in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting later in 2026.

As international trade confronts various uncertainties, APEC members are looking to strengthen regional frameworks that can maintain economic momentum and facilitate smoother business operations across the Asia-Pacific.

The Greater Bay Area’s emergence as a focal point reflects China’s strategy of using domestic success stories to illustrate its vision for regional cooperation and economic integration at the multilateral level.

 The Sun Malaysia