The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is entering a new phase of integration. As cross-border flows of goods, services, talent and data accelerate, businesses are gaining access to diverse market opportunities. While differences in regulatory systems, technical standards and compliance frameworks remain, the launch of GBA Standards in 2023 has added a new layer of “soft connectivity” to complement physical infrastructure and support deeper regional collaboration.
In the face of economic uncertainty, we believe GBA Standards offer a clear and actionable pathway for both businesses and the broader regional economy. The framework helps optimize resource allocation, reduce institutional friction and promote market integration – all while enhancing competitiveness and enabling innovation. For Hong Kong businesses, GBA Standards serve not only as a compliance reference but also as a strategic springboard for market expansion. Leveraging this platform can help companies gain a first-mover advantage in the evolving regional landscape.
Developing GBA Standards
Jointly developed by government agencies, research institutions and industry bodies across Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong, GBA Standards are designed for voluntary adoption. They cover a wide range of sectors, including food safety, healthcare, education, transportation, exports and ESG. The framework complements China’s mandatory national standards (GB), offering flexibility while allowing for future alignment with international norms.
By mid-2025, a total of 244 GBA standards had been published, developed through the joint efforts of 3,563 organizations – including 499 from Hong Kong. Adoption is also gaining momentum, with 6,827 organizations across the region formally declaring use of these standards, 682 of which are based in Hong Kong. These figures underscore how GBA standards are becoming an integral part of regional development, shaping business practices and deepening cross-border collaboration across the region.
Hong Kong’s Role and Strengths
Hong Kong has played an active role in shaping and implementing GBA Standards. Government departments have contributed across multiple fronts: the Trade and Industry Department coordinates policy and outreach; the Centre for Food Safety has launched a dedicated standards portal; the Development Bureau has introduced the “One Examination, Multi-Certification” scheme for the construction sector; and the Health Bureau is promoting the development of the GBA Chinese Medicine Standards.
Industry associations and enterprises have also brought their expertise to the table. For example, the Hong Kong Printers Association, with support from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, promoted the Colour Tone Value (CTV) method for print colour control through the Printing Technology Research Centre – a method now formally included in the GBA Standards list.
These contributions highlight Hong Kong’s deep capabilities in testing and certification, healthcare, food safety, and pharmaceuticals. With a robust regulatory system and strong international reputation, Hong Kong serves as a vital bridge between the GBA and global markets. This positioning also facilitates the international recognition of Mainland products, technologies, and services under frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Industry Examples
GBA Standards are already delivering tangible benefits across sectors:
Food and care services for the elderly: The “Care Food” standard provides standardized guidelines for production and testing, enhancing food safety and quality for seniors.
Childcare services: Standardization efforts are underway in early education and daycare, covering curriculum design, talent development, and assessment systems.
Jewellery retail: The “Jewellery Retail Business Code” sets consistent requirements for store layout, staff training and product labelling, boosting consumer trust and enabling cross-border brand expansion.
Printing industry: The CTV standard ensures consistent colour reproduction across markets, supporting e-commerce and brand marketing.
Construction sector: The “One Examination, Multi-Certification” scheme allows skilled workers to gain recognition across Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong through a single assessment, improving training quality and labour mobility.
Strategic Considerations for Hong Kong Businesses
Adopting unified standards can help businesses reduce compliance costs, expand market reach and strengthen customer trust. For cross-border operations, standardization also lowers transaction costs and minimizes regulatory friction, paving the way for innovation and deeper market integration.
We recommend businesses take the following steps:
1 Stay informed: Use industry associations and official platforms to monitor updates and new standards.
2 Engage early: Participate in public consultations and working groups to shape standards and gain influence.
3. Integrate strategically: Embed relevant standards into daily operations to streamline processes and improve consistency.
4. Leverage branding: Highlight standard adoption in marketing to build trust and enhance reputation.
5 Plan ahead: Anticipate regulatory shifts and align compliance strategies early to stay ahead of the curve.
Standards as Strategy and Springboard
GBA Standards are more than technical coordination tools – they are foundational to building trust, enhancing transparency and driving regional integration. With its internationally recognized regulatory system and professional strengths, Hong Kong is well-positioned to lead and promote the adoption of GBA Standards, reinforcing its role as a hub for global connectivity and professional services.
As a professional services firm, we observe that the need for standardization now spans both traditional and emerging industries. Areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data governance are increasingly reliant on clear, forward-looking standards. Businesses that engage early and adopt relevant frameworks will be better equipped to build trust, compete effectively and collaborate across the GBA.
For Hong Kong enterprises, GBA Standards are not just tools for compliance, they are platforms for innovation, growth, and long-term advantage.
Charles Lee, Vice Chair and Managing Partner & Jackie Yan, Chief Economist – PwC China