Building a Hub for High-Quality Consumption: 4th Global Bay Areas Forum Kicks Off

SFC Correspondent Li Yinong 

Themed "Resilient China, Vibrant Bay Area”, the 4th China (Macao) High-Quality Consumption Exhibition and Hengqin Global Bay Areas Forum (HQCE) opened in Hengqin on September 5.

At the forum, nearly 200 representatives from government and business gathered to discuss advancing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and supporting Macao’s moderate economic diversification.

Driving High-Quality Growth

Li Jun, Director-General of the Social Responsibility Bureau, State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, said central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) will continue to support Macao’s key industries, infrastructure, and livelihood projects, as well as the Hengqin Cooperation Zone. So far, 44 central SOEs have participated in HQCE, showcasing products and strengthening exchanges to drive high-quality development.

Nam Kwong Group General Manager Jiang Weiliang noted that HQCE has grown into a vital platform for GBA cooperation, a showcase for China’s high-quality consumption, and a bridge connecting China with the world.

Economists and business leaders including Wang Haifeng, Senior fellow of the Institute for International Economic Research at the National Development and Reform Commission; Dong Mingzhu, chairwoman of home appliance giant Gree Electric Appliances; and brand strategist Li Guangdou shared insights on consumption trends, industrial innovation, and brand transformation. Wang emphasized domestic demand as the “main driver” of growth, while Dong called for Chinese manufacturing to focus on quality-driven global competitiveness. Li highlighted 2025 as a milestone year for Chinese brands.

Strengthening Global Cooperation

Speakers also stressed opportunities arising from the 15th National Games, which will boost sports, culture, and tourism consumption; expanded visa exemptions, which are driving inbound tourism; and new consumer preferences such as sustainable and personalized lifestyles.

Looking ahead, participants agreed that the GBA holds unique advantages in leading China’s high-quality consumption and global cooperation, with Macao and Hengqin serving as gateways linking the mainland to international markets.

The 4th HQCE is co-hosted by Nam Kwong Group, the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce, and the Guangdong Department of Commerce, with Southern Finance Omnimedia Corp. as co-organizer. In addition to the main forum, six parallel sessions cover cross-border e-commerce, cultural tourism, childcare, business consumption, healthcare, and finance. The expo runs from September 5 to 7 in Macao.