Guangdong Sets 2026 GDP Growth Target at 4.5%–5% Amid Tech and Manufacturing Push
GUANGZHOU — Guangdong, China’s manufacturing powerhouse, has set an economic growth target of 4.5% to 5% for 2026, provincial Governor Meng Fanli announced on Monday. The goal reflects both the province’s development ambitions and broader domestic and global economic considerations.
Delivering the government work report at the annual session of the Guangdong Provincial People’s Congress, Meng highlighted the start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) and pledged to ensure that policy targets translate into concrete results on the ground.
Over the past five years, Guangdong’s GDP expanded from 11.37 trillion yuan ($1.6 trillion) to 14.58 trillion yuan ($2.1 trillion). The province has maintained its position as China’s top economic performer for 37 consecutive years, a testament to its robust manufacturing base and rapidly growing technology sector.
Shenzhen, a key innovation hub in the province, has seen a surge in robotics and AI applications, with companies like ENGINEAI Robotics deploying intelligent robots in retail and service sectors. These advancements underscore Guangdong’s dual focus on sustaining industrial strength while embracing high-tech innovation.
Analysts say Guangdong’s 2026 growth target is realistic, balancing steady expansion with structural transformation, and signals the province’s ongoing role as a key engine of China’s economic development.
Shanghai Plans $15.8 Billion Investment Across 133 Projects in 2026
SHANGHAI — Shanghai plans to launch 133 industrial projects worth a combined 110 billion yuan ($15.8 billion) in 2026, with 33 projects exceeding 1 billion yuan each, according to official sources.
Xu Zhenhua, deputy director of the Industrial Investment Division at the Shanghai Commission of Economy and Informatization, highlighted that industrial investment in the city surged 20% year-on-year in 2025 — 17.4 percentage points above the national average. Manufacturing investment specifically rose 22.8% over the same period.
During China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), Shanghai’s industrial investment grew at an average annual rate of 8.9%, with manufacturing rising 9.7% per year. Investment growth was broad-based, spanning state-owned, private, and foreign-funded projects. State-owned investments jumped 31%, private investments increased 14.7%, and foreign investment grew 6.2% despite global uncertainties.
Key sectors driving growth included electronic information (+45.6%), equipment manufacturing (+32.2%), and high-quality steel products (+27.6%). In 2025, Shanghai launched 127 projects valued over 100 million yuan in areas such as integrated circuits, high-end equipment, intelligent manufacturing, and advanced materials. Additionally, 459 projects are currently under construction, while 174 projects were completed last year.
“These projects form a solid foundation for Shanghai’s industrial economy and will be key drivers for the city’s future development,” Xu said.