Achievements of Greater Bay reflect nation's development

Since 2018, I've been sharing stories about China and its contribution to the world economy, whether it's sharing stories about China's ancient history, food and culture, or documenting the latest developments of tech companies.

Being in my position means I get access to a world that few foreigners in China are lucky enough to see.

I've stood on top of China's first third-generation nuclear reactor, the Hualong One in Fujian province, I've had a private performance from the renowned "King of Music" in Kuqa in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and I've explored the Greater Bay Area, and filmed many short documentaries about the progress, developments and opportunities that are making this region one of the best in the world.

Earlier this year, I spoke at a Vision China conference which focused on the development of the Greater Bay Area.

In early 2021, I completed a 12-day tour, visiting a whole range of industries and people. The first stop on my tour was an innovation park in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, where I found out how support from the government is helping businesses in the region overcome challenges.

Innovative policies, reforms and easy coordination for new businesses mean that establishing a new enterprise in the GBA is within reach for many entrepreneurs.

I visited ZLF, a joint-venture company involving law firms from the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. Expert and experienced companies like this one are making it easier for businesses to create new opportunities.

Businesspeople can also visit "one-stop "tax-service centers that also lead people through the basic steps needed to open businesses and employ people in the GBA.

During my stopover in Guangzhou, I visited the Guangzhou Tianhe Hong Kong and Macao Youth Association Headquarters. It's just one of 44 clusters that have helped to promote and encourage entrepreneurship for young people from Hong Kong and Macao. I had the opportunity to speak to some Hong Kong entrepreneurs who found the hub instrumental to their success.

Fabia Cheung, a clinical psychologist, didn't hesitate to tell me why moving her business to Guangzhou was a great idea, because its geographical location meant that her clients come from all over the GBA, giving her access to a wider market.

I spoke to entrepreneurs who were grateful for the advice and guidance given at the hub so they could navigate through the taxation and administration policies so they could set up their businesses.

When you see so much activity and wide-eyed excitement from people passionate about making their business a success, you can see the benefits afforded to people who want to build a future in the Greater Bay Area－it's truly inspiring.

After seeing so much innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in action, I really understood the significance when I looked back into the past and visited a village steeped in history.

Chakeng, a village in Xinhui district, was the birthplace of a very famous Chinese thinker, Liang Qichao (1873-1929), who was a political reformist.

At a time when China was feeling pressure from the West to modernize, he was concerned with one thing, how to reform China without destroying China.

If Liang was alive today and he could see his village nestled in this vibrant and internationally competitive first-class bay area, he would see distinctive geographical advantages, robust economic strength, a high concentration of key factors of innovation, an advanced level of internationalization, and solid foundations for cooperation. A vision of China he could only dream of is now so much more.