Assessing Key Drivers Toward a “High-Quality Development”: A Case Study of Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area

Introduced by the Chinese State Council in 2019, the Greater Bay Area is a comprehensive national development strategy that aims to elevate the region into a global hub for innovation and economic growth by 2035, making it “a role model in high-quality development”. Encompassing Hong Kong, Macao, and nine Pearl River Delta municipalities, the Greater Bay Area has experienced robust economic expansion, contributing approximately 12% to China’s GDP, making it the 12th largest economic cluster worldwide. This study critically investigates how the GBA, which in the last 20 years has developed dramatically, can sustain its impressive growth trajectory across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, while also becoming a role model of “high-quality development”, attracting neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the sustainable development level achieved by the Greater Bay Area. Examining the intricate relationship between “high-quality development” and “sustainable development” within the broader context of China’s strategic objectives, the research evaluates key indicators based on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, through a comparative analysis, the research studies the GBA’s progress from 2000 to 2021 – encompassing economic advancements, social developments, and environmental sustainability efforts – within the overall development of China during these years. By drawing upon an extensive array of qualitative and quantitative sources, the research underlines the significance of the GBA’s sustainable growth and highlights potential challenges, offering policy implications and recommendations for its continued development. Despite the drawbacks of the rapid economic growth of the last forty years, the findings underscore the GBA’s impressive potential for sustainable development, driven by key drivers such as its strategic location, connectivity, and innovation-led development, positioning it as a potential role model for other regions aspiring to achieve both economic prosperity and sustainable growth. Nevertheless, the study highlights the critical need for sustained commitment from the Chinese government to ensure the GBA’s success as a benchmark for sustainable development in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of effective policy implementation and robust mechanisms in this ongoing endeavour.