Peter Helis, Chief Advisor of Guangzhou Huangpu, Discusses GBA Growth at SCMP's Inaugural China Conference 2025

GUANGZHOU, China – January 25, 2025 – Peter Helis, Chief Advisor of Guangzhou Huangpu District, participated in the panel "Connecting the Dots: The Greater Bay Area's Path to Growth in a Shifting Global Environment" at the inaugural China Conference: Greater Bay Area 2025 on January 22. Organized by the South China Morning Post, the event gathered leaders to explore innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area amid global shifts.

The conference highlighted key projects like the recently opened Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge, which reduces travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan from two hours to about 20 minutes, and the groundbreaking for Guangzhou's new second international airport, enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration.

Under moderation by Denise Tsang of SCMP, Helis joined former Hong Kong Chief Executive C.Y. Leung, Prof. Alejandro Reyes from the Asia Society Hong Kong Center, and Andrew Wells from China New Energy Sky Rail International Limited to discuss infrastructure as a catalyst for growth, leveraging special economic zones like Qianhai, and the need for a unified strategy to manage competition and harness collective strengths.

"What a thrill to dive into the heart of innovation and growth at the 'Connecting the Dots: The Greater Bay Area's Path to Growth in a Shifting Global Environment' panel! A massive thank you to South China Morning Post SCMP for the incredible opportunity to discuss the dynamic evolution of the GBA. With the recent completion of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge, slashing travel time from hours to mere minutes, and the groundbreaking for a new international airport in Guangzhou, we're witnessing a transformative era in connectivity and economic synergy in the GBA.

Under the stellar moderation of Denise Tsang, we delved into: Infrastructure as a Catalyst: How these monumental projects are not just linking cities but are the backbone of economic integration across the GBA. Leveraging Special Economic Zones: The spotlight was on zones like Qianhai, which are pivotal in drawing global investment and sparking innovation. Unified Growth Strategy: The imperative for a cohesive approach to manage inter-city competition and harness collective strengths. I was also thrilled to exchange insights with the honorable C.Y. Leung, former Chief Executive of Hong Kong, adding depth to our discussions with his seasoned perspective on regional development.

Joining me on this journey were the insightful Prof Alejandro Reyes from the Asia Society Hong Kong Center and Andrew Wells from China New Energy Sky Rail International Limited. Together, we charted the course for the GBA to become a beacon of sustainable development and global influence. The excitement is palpable - with these infrastructure feats, the GBA is not just connecting cities but connecting dreams, opportunities, and futures. Gratitude to SCMP Live for orchestrating this visionary event, and to all who contributed to making this discussion both thrilling and enlightening," said Peter Helis.

Helis underscored Huangpu's role in fostering high-tech innovation and international collaboration within the Greater Bay Area.