Guangdong Province officially released its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for Economic and Social Development on April 28, outlining key development goals for the next five years.
The Plan outlines eight major development goals, including notable progress in high-quality development, significantly enhanced capacity for self-reliance and strength in science and technology, more coordinated urban-rural and regional development, and breakthroughs in further deepening reform and opening up.
It also highlights leveraging the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a driving force, with the aim of building a vibrant, internationally competitive first-class bay area and a world-class city cluster.
Key indicators span areas such as economic development, innovation-driven growth, people's wellbeing, urban-rural and regional coordination, green and low-carbon transition, and security safeguards.
A target of achieving an average annual GDP growth rate of around 5.0% is set for the 15th Five-Year Plan period.
During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, Guangdong's R&D expenditure is set to grow by an average of 5.0% per year. The number of high-value invention patents per 10,000 population will rise from 32.15 in 2025 to 45 by 2030. The added value of core digital economy industries as a share of GDP will increase from 16.5% in 2025 to 18% in 2030.
Growth in per capita disposable income will keep pace with GDP growth. Average life expectancy will exceed 81.5 years by 2030, up from over 80 years in 2025. The proportion of nursing care beds in elderly care institutions will increase from 75% in 2025 to 80%, and the enrollment rate for children under three years old in nurseries will rise by 6.5% cumulatively.
By 2030, the urbanization rate of the permanent population in county areas is expected to reach about 50%. The urban-rural per capita disposable income ratio will narrow from 2.27 in 2025 to 2.05. The province's gross ocean product is projected to reach 2.8 trillion yuan.
The Plan was approved by the fifth session of the 14th Guangdong Provincial People's Congress. In January 2026, the Guangdong Provincial People's Government released its work report, outlining proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan and submitting the draft to the congress for examination and approval.
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Photo | Nanfang Plus
