Strategies and policies for regional competitiveness in Guangdong

This chapter will first review the policy instruments that have been implemented since the introduction of the “Open Door” policy in the province of Guangdong, which have led to the formation of an externally oriented economic development, e.g. promotion of investment attraction and spatial industrial specialisation. Conscious of the emerging challenges, the central and the provincial governments have recognised the limits of the Guangdong economic model and reiterated their wish to promote the region as a key development pillar of China through industrial upgrading whilst preserving the spirit of China’s harmonious society by dealing with territorial equity issues.