The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area should use its unique strengths to become a leading philanthropic player, a senior official said on Thursday.

Whether it's in economic output or technological capability, the Bay Area is taking the lead across the country, said Wang Aiwen, vice-minister with the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

"The Bay Area is China's most developed region for economic development and also an important window of the country's opening-up to the world."

"It should also stand at the frontline in social development and philanthropy," he said at the World Philanthropy Forum, held in Shenzhen on Thursday.

Wang said the Bay Area should press ahead with regional cooperation, incorporating the experiences of Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, and explore "one country, two systems" in philanthropy.

Increased efforts should also be made taking advantage of its edge in technological innovation to develop "smart philanthropy", he said.

Li Bin, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Committee, the country's top political advisory body, called for strengthened international cooperation and exchanges on philanthropy so that more international philanthropic projects can be implemented and benefit people across the world.

She also urged more enterprises to take part in philanthropic causes to push the industry to a higher level.