The Guangdong provincial government released the 2025 action plan for building a modern industrial system in Guangdong on Wednesday, outlining strategic initiatives to drive high-quality new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions.

On the same occasion, the province released the Report on Guangdong's Modern Industrial System Development (2023-24).

At a news conference on Wednesday, Ai Xuefeng, head of the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission, said that the report provides a comprehensive overview of the province's efforts in modernizing its industrial system over the past two years. It serves as a valuable reference for enterprises considering investments in the province and for research institutions conducting industry-related studies.

And the action plan introduces 26 measures across eight key areas: technological innovation, industry cluster development, digital intelligence empowerment, regional coordination, industrial openness and cooperation, fostering high-quality enterprises, enhancing quality and branding, and ensuring resource and support.

Ai underscored Guangdong's commitment to technological innovation, highlighting plans to launch research and development projects in key fields such as humanoid robots, the low-altitude economy, and commercial aerospace this year.

The province aims to establish at least 30 provincial-level pilot platforms and build a real-time online application scenario hall for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, assisting the trial implementation of at least 100 new technologies and products.

He revealed that Guangdong will launch 1,500 key provincial projects this year, with a planned annual investment of 1 trillion yuan ($137.16 billion). Industrial projects will account for 50 percent of the total investment, with 380 projects spanning five major sectors — next-generation information technology, biomedicine, high-end equipment manufacturing, new materials, and petrochemicals and steel — receiving a combined investment of 165.8 billion yuan.

"Enterprises are the primary drivers of industrial development, and the construction of a modern industrial system relies on their strong support and relentless efforts," the official said. He added that the commission will enhance policy support, including financial incentives, to bolster enterprise growth.

For traditional industries, Guangdong will focus on upgrading its steel sector and accelerating large-scale applications of prefabricated buildings. In emerging areas, the province will enhance the development of new energy vehicles and intelligent connected vehicles while expanding low-altitude economic applications. Additional efforts will be made to advance intelligent robotics and strengthen the construction of biomanufacturing and commercial aerospace sectors.

Wu Hong, deputy director of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province, noted that many of Guangdong's 20 strategic industry clusters are rooted in traditional industries.

"We must prioritize improving the production quality and efficiency of traditional competitive industries while fostering the growth of green petrochemicals, smart home appliances, advanced materials, modern light textiles, and food processing," Wu stated.

To support digital transformation, Guangdong will assist manufacturing enterprises to develop new products, processes, equipment, and materials. Specific measures include establishing an independent foundational software ecosystem, advancing the research and application of domestically controlled industrial software, and integrating artificial intelligence across various sectors. This year, the province plans to drive technological upgrades and digital transformation for 10,000 industrial enterprises.

As a major economic, manufacturing, and technology hub, Guangdong has remained steadfast in its commitment to the real economy and manufacturing sector. The province's GDP surpassed 14 trillion yuan in 2024, maintaining its status as China's largest provincial economy for the 36th consecutive year. Enterprises above designated size recorded 19.4 trillion yuan in operating revenue, according to the report.

Guangdong encompasses all 31 national industrial categories, with 15 ranking first nationwide in scale. The province has developed eight industrial clusters with annual industrial output valued at more than 1 trillion yuan each, including next-generation electronic information and green petrochemicals. It leads the nation in smartphone and industrial robot production while making strides in artificial intelligence and biomanufacturing.

The province is also advancing its specialty agriculture sector, with total crop, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery output reaching 970.1 billion yuan in 2024. Guangdong ranks first nationwide in planting area and the production of signature crops such as lychee and pineapple.

Additionally, Guangdong is a national leader in R&D design, information services, and industrial internet platforms, hosting the highest number of national-level industrial internet hubs. The province's tourism sector generated more than 1 trillion yuan in revenue in 2024, attracting more than 800 million tourist visits.

Guangdong continues to enhance its infrastructure with high-standard projects spanning highways, railways, ports, water conservancy, and energy facilities. Simultaneously, it is accelerating the deployment of new infrastructure, including telecommunications networks, computing power systems, and large-scale scientific installations, strengthening its modern industrial framework.

A flying car developed by GAC Group. CHINA DAILY