As the pioneer of the reform and opening-up and an important economic hub of China, the Pearl River Delta has played a remarkable leading role and had an important strategic status in the overall effort of China to pursue economic and social development and carry on the reform and opening-up. Since the introduction of the reform and opening-up policy, under the correct leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, the Pearl River Delta, through carrying out drastic reforms, taking a lead in opening up to the outside world, and striving ambitiously for progress, has achieved historic breakthroughs in economic and social development and made great contribution to the nationwide reform and opening-up and the socialist modernization drive. At present, profound changes are taking place in the economic situations at home and abroad, and the Pearl River Delta is at the crucial point for transforming its economic structure and development pattern.  This region faces both rigorous challenges and great opportunities in its further development. On the eve of the 30th anniversary of the reform and opening-up, we have formulated this outline of the program for the reform and development of the Pearl River Delta with an eye to the broader national strategy and long-term development plan of the country, in order that the Pearl River Delta can add or create new advantages, reach a new level of development, and further play its leading and exemplary role for the whole country.
Geographically, this outline focuses on Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Jiangmen, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Huizhou, and Zhaoqing, reaching out to the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region. Related contents of close cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao are also included. The period covered by the outline spans from the present to 2020.