Hi-tech, development, and cooperation - these terms were echoed by young entrepreneurs from over 10 European countries after their first stop on the "Bridge to the Future European Youth Leaders Tour to the Greater Bay Area" on July 23.

Members of the delegation visited two local tech firms in Guangzhou: WeRide for autonomous driving and PCI for AI supply chain solutions. They explored the city's cutting-edge technology sectors, witnessing its modern urban development.

During their visit to WeRide, delegation members were divided into groups to experience the self-driving mini-bus in person and spoke with business executives for more details about the products and the company's plans, especially in Europe.

Kirill Perepelica, co-founder of Munch, a Hungarian company focused on reducing food waste, was amazed to see self-driving technology thriving in China. Having been to the United States and seen similar technologies in action in California, he was excited to ride a self-driving bus in China.

"It's already operational on 10 lines. I can't wait to see it expanded to hundreds of lines all over the world," Perepelica said.

Young European leaders experience a self-driving mini-bus in Guangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

"The hosting of this delegation of young leaders from the European Union is very significant," said Jacobo García, president of the Global Youth Leadership Forum.

According to García, the delegation's visit to the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area is an effort to better understand the development of the Chinese economy.

He seeks to highlight opportunities for these promising young entrepreneurs as they prepare to enter the next decade of economic growth, strengthening relationships and forming strategic partnerships between the EU and China.

In the coming week, the delegation will explore more cities, including Jiangmen, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai in the GBA.