Greater Bay Area Insights and Innovation: A Successful Chamber Delegation to Guangzhou
What can be accomplished in a single day? Quite a lot, as members of the sourcing committees of both the German and Dutch Chambers of Commerce in Hong Kong discovered during our joint trip to Guangzhou on 16 October 2026.
Mr. Stephane Hasselsweiler, Edelman Asia Limited (Chair of the Dutch Chamber Sourcing and Trade Committee), Ms. Monique de Raaij, General Manager, Dutch Chamber in HK, Ms. Carla de Bruijn, Spring GDS Asia Pacific (part of the PostNL Group), and Mr. Filippo Monti, TGI Technology Ltd. (Board member and Co-Chair of the Sourcing Committee of the German Chamber in HK), enjoyed a carefully curated program that combined business insights, industry visits, and networking opportunities. The day provided a first-hand look at some of the developments shaping one of the most dynamic regions in the Greater Bay Area.
The first stop was the Huangpu District Planning Exhibition Hall, where members were introduced to the district's ambitious vision for future growth. The exhibition showcased Huangpu's transformation into a leading center for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and international business, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's development strategy.
The second stop was the visit to ET-Global. During an engaging symposium with the company's management team, participants exchanged views on technology, international business development, and opportunities for collaboration. The open discussions and direct interaction between ET-Global and our members made for an insightful and highly appreciated visit.
Following a networking lunch, the group continued to JD Logistics, where members gained valuable insights into the company's cutting-edge logistics operations. From automation and smart warehousing to supply chain innovation, the presentation demonstrated how technology is redefining the logistics sector and supporting the growing demands of modern commerce.
Beyond the well-organised company visits, the delegation offered an excellent opportunity for members of both Chambers to strengthen existing connections and build new relationships. The conversations continued throughout the day, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and shared learning. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the quality of the discussions, the openness of the host organisations, and the unique opportunity to gain direct exposure to leading companies in the region.
We would like to thank all participating members, our hosts at ET-Global and JD Logistics, our colleagues from both Chambers, with special thanks to the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province for making this delegation such a worthwhile and memorable experience.