CNA Correspondent A closer look at China's Greater Bay Area - thriving or trying?
Aug 12, 2025
Deborah Wong, CNA's correspondent based in Shenzhen, dives into the complex dynamics of China's Greater Bay Area, a booming economic hub of over 87 million people. She discusses the region's vital role in the country's growth strategy while also highlighting the struggles faced by places like Hengtin Island, where economic development lags. Wong also explores the impact of rising educational demand in Hong Kong on housing markets and Macau's evolving identity as it seeks to diversify away from gaming, painting a vivid picture of the area's future.
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Shenzhen's High-Octane Tech Ecosystem
- Shenzhen hosts major tech firms and pulses with rapid product and R&D activity.
- Proximity to suppliers and ports accelerates iteration and fast fixes for manufacturers.
Local Supply Chains Enable Rapid Fixes
- A 3D-printing and a drone company in Guangdong can replace faulty parts within one to two days by visiting local suppliers.
- Quick local supply chains significantly shorten product development cycles.
Infrastructure Eases Talent Movement
- Improved transport links and visa arrangements aim to ease talent flows across Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
- The policy changes intentionally encourage people to move, work, and access services across the border.