In the wake of decades of rapid development, Foshan is playing a leading role in the economic and social landscape of Guangdong province.

Since the implementation of the national reform and opening-up policy, the GDP of Foshan has maintained an annual growth rate of 16 percent on average over the last four decades.

That makes it one of the Chinese cities with the most rapid economic development.

In 2016, Foshan's GDP was 863 billion yuan ($130.4 billion), ranking No 15 among Chinese cities and No 3 among the cities in the Pearl River Delta.

As one of the economic hubs in Guangdong, the city now is home to three major high-tech platforms.

These are the Foshan National Hi-tech Industrial Zone, the Sino-German Industrial Services Zone and the Guangdong Hi-tech Service Zone for Financial Institutions, which is a backup for developing advanced industries.

In recent years, it has actively implemented a strategy of innovation-driven development. It has integrated advanced industries in science, technology and finance, and has emphasized bringing in highly-skilled employees in targeted areas - with preferential policies and convenient transportation.

Located at the heart of the Pearl River Delta, Foshan is adjacent to Hong Kong and Macao.

Since the start of operations of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen high-speed railway and the Guangzhou-Zhuhai intercity railway, it has joined a regional transportation network.

Following the outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta (2008-20), Foshan's government has made great efforts to promote regional integration.

(China Daily 12/07/2017 page24)