South China's Guangdong province rolled out a three-year action plan (2026-2028) on March 16 to accelerate the development of one-person companies (OPCs) powered by artificial intelligence (AI), with a strong focus on attracting global talent, expanding cross-border applications, and building a robust innovation ecosystem.
This is the first provincial-level policy in China to provide systematic support specifically for this type of business model.
According to the plan, Guangdong will broaden diverse talent recruitment channels and include qualified AI OPC professionals from Hong Kong, Macao, and overseas in a green channel for talent introduction. These individuals will benefit from streamlined permit and residency application procedures, as well as enhanced support for entrepreneurship.
Leveraging its strategic position in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the province will also expand cross-border application scenarios. It will rely on key cooperation platforms such as the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, the Nansha Demonstration Zone for All-round Cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone in Shenzhen Park, along with cross-border e-commerce pilot zones.
These platforms will support AI OPCs in exploring overseas markets, particularly in Portuguese-speaking countries and Southeast Asia. Companies are encouraged to connect with the digital transformation cooperation platform between China and Brazil.
The plan sets clear development targets. By 2026, Guangdong aims to cultivate 10 leading AI OPC ecosystem communities and foster a number of high-quality enterprises with annual revenues exceeding 10 million yuan.
By 2028, the province plans to establish 100 such communities, nurture 1,000 benchmark AI OPCs, and attract 10,000 innovation and entrepreneurship professionals in the field, positioning Guangdong as a national leader in AI OPC development.
To support these goals, Guangdong will build AI OPC ecosystem communities with affordable computing power, quality data, and specialized services. They will provide low-cost offices, flexible co-working spaces, smart facilities, and computing subsidies for eligible entities.
Guangdong will also create a dynamic scenario pool for AI OPCs, publishing supply and demand lists across key sectors such as short-form video, e-commerce, knowledge-based services, digital cultural creation, and software development.
In terms of service support, the action plan introduces fully digital registration for AI-enabled OPCs, with AI-assisted approval and smart guidance, enabling businesses to complete registration in one day via a one-stop online platform.
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Photo | Nanfang Plus
