Hong Kong Dominates Key Sectors in Greater Bay Area Industrial Development Index 2025
According to the recently released GBA Industrial Development Index 2025 by the Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) and Dah Sing Bank, Hong Kong continues to excel in three vital sectors of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). These sectors are financial services, trade and logistics, and culture, sports and tourism.
Shenzhen and Guangzhou’s Leadership in Innovation and Construction
While Hong Kong leads in several key industries, Shenzhen has emerged as the front-runner in innovation, technology, and manufacturing. Additionally, Guangzhou has secured its position as a leader in construction and real estate, showcasing a diverse industrial landscape across the GBA.
Accelerating Industry Growth in the GBA
The overall growth rate of industries within the GBA has noticeably accelerated from 4.9% in 2024 to 7.1% this year. This growth is primarily driven by an impressive 14.8% increase in innovation and technology, alongside an 8.1% rise in manufacturing sectors, underscoring the region’s dynamic economic environment.
Improving Business Confidence Amidst Global Challenges
Business confidence within the GBA is on the rise, although lingering concerns regarding the Sino-US trade tensions remain prevalent. The confidence index for the six key sectors has surged to 55.5 for 2025 and 57.3 for 2026, marking an increase of five points compared to last year’s findings.
Positive Outlook for Future Development
The report highlights a general optimism amongst businesses about the ongoing industrial developments and prospects for the upcoming year. This positive sentiment demonstrates the potential for sustained growth and innovation in the GBA’s economic framework.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Industrial Modernization
The index emphasizes the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing efficiency, noting it as “a key driver of industrial modernization.” It reveals that 94.5% of over 3,400 GBA companies surveyed are leveraging AI to minimize costs, boost efficiency, and explore new revenue avenues. However, challenges related to staff AI competency, data security, and limited access to public AI platforms persist.
Expansion and Opportunities for Hong Kong Businesses
Moreover, the index indicates that more than half of the respondents are looking to expand internationally, particularly in the realms of innovation and technology, trade and logistics, and manufacturing. This highlights Hong Kong’s pivotal role in assisting mainland businesses in their global expansion efforts. The report recommends developing a “comprehensive global value chain” encompassing market research, product development, certification, sandbox testing, and small-batch production to facilitate this growth.
As Hong Kong continues to strengthen its position within the Greater Bay Area, the combined efforts in these key industries are likely to foster a robust economic landscape that attracts further investment and innovation.