Guangdong raises its game

Cheng made the remarks during a recent seminar on how the economy benefits people in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong.

"Guangdong needs to introduce advanced technologies to upgrade its traditional industries and increase production efficiency," Cheng says.

At the same time, he says it is important to prioritize the new-energy industry, modern services and other cultural industries in the growth plans.

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"I have visited Qianhai, Hengqin and Nansha, which play significant roles for Guangdong in industrial upgrading," he says.

Qianhai in Shenzhen, Hengqin in Zhuhai and Nansha in Guangzhou are three key areas in Guangdong that have been opened up for the service industry.

According to Guangdong government officials, the proposed free trade zone between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will include Qianhai, Hengqin, Nansha and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, covering more than 1,300 sq km.

Guangdong's plan to establish the zone, after a similar one in Shanghai, was approved in 2013 by the State Council and has been submitted to the central government for approval.

According to the Guangdong provincial government, foreign investors will be offered pre-establishment national treatment, and a "negative list" administration mode will be introduced in the planned zone.

A pilot program to conduct offshore renminbi business will also be launched in the zone to enable liberalization of the service trade.

"Guangdong, which has a unique geographic advantage, should continue to take the lead in the country's new round of reform and opening-up by strengthening economic and trade cooperation with overseas countries and regions," Cheng says.

To facilitate its industrial upgrading, Guangdong will launch an "innovation-driven" program in the coming years to increase the budgets for technology research and for the introduction and development of top talent, according to the Guangdong provincial science and technology authorities.