What Changed
- Approval of the 2027 joint work plan targeting energy-intensive and polluting industrial sectors for green audits and technology trials.
- Execution of the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cooperation Agreement on Cleaner Production (Amendment Agreement) in October 2026.
- Recognition of 168 enterprises under the 2026 Hong Kong-Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners Recognition Scheme.
Hong Kong-owned manufacturing enterprises and environmental technology providers operating across Hong Kong SAR and Guangdong Province face updated cross-border sustainability initiatives following the 13th meeting of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Cleaner Production (JWGCP). Held in Hong Kong on October 27, 2026, the meeting reviewed progress achieved in 2026 and formally approved the joint work plan for 2027.
The meeting was co-chaired by Miss Diane Wong, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, and Mr Chen Lei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province (GDDIIT). Under the 2027 work plan, both governments will continue to target energy-intensive, polluting, and water-intensive sectors. Specific actions involve encouraging enterprises to test new cleaner production technologies and undergo cleaner production audits to achieve energy savings, emission reductions, and consumption and carbon emission cuts across the region.
To formalize deeper collaboration, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, and the Director-General of GDDIIT, Mr Zeng Jinze, signed the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cooperation Agreement on Cleaner Production (Amendment Agreement) in October 2026. The amended agreement focuses on promoting the adoption of green technologies and integrating environmental elements into industrial manufacturing processes.
Following the working group meeting, an award ceremony recognized 168 enterprises under the 2026 Hong Kong-Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners Recognition Scheme. A total of 56 Hong Kong-owned factories were commended as 'Excellent Partners', 108 as 'Partners', alongside one sourcing enterprise and three environmental technology service providers. First established in 2008 by Hong Kong's Environmental Protection Department and GDDIIT, the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme has provided financial support for more than 4,300 projects to reduce industrial pollutant emissions across Guangdong and Hong Kong.
Who May Be Affected
Hong Kong-owned manufacturing enterprises operating in Guangdong Province, sourcing businesses, environmental technology service providers, and regional environmental authorities.
Cross-Border Context
Reflects institutional cooperation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Guangdong Province (Mainland China) to align industrial emissions reduction and environmental standards within the Greater Bay Area.
What to check next
- Official publication of the specific terms of the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cooperation Agreement on Cleaner Production (Amendment Agreement).
- Official program details and application guidelines on www.cleanerproduction.hk.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.