GBA integration may help mainland China philanthropy sector learn from Hong Kong

Leading Chinese philanthropy experts at a Hong Kong forum have suggested that mainland Chinese charities could benefit from Hong Kong's experience to improve their professional standards. The Greater Bay Area city cluster plan, which links Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong, could serve as a catalyst to drive this sector's transformation, according to the panel.

Jin Jinping, an associate professor at Peking University law school, emphasized the need for a more favorable legal and policy environment for charity organizations. Wang Zhenyao, a former senior official, proposed that Beijing learn from Hong Kong's mature philanthropy sector to "drive a major upgrade of the entire social service sector."

Wang Xiangwei, the moderator, highlighted the sector's undergoing transformation due to state oversight, economic headwinds, and changing public expectations, which are driving a structural reshaping. Corporate budgets tightening amid economic uncertainty have led businesses to rethink their philanthropic approach, moving beyond cash donations to leveraging operational strengths to address social challenges.

This shift reflects an evolution in corporate thinking, with companies adopting a sustained approach to social issues and viewing elderly care challenges as potential business growth opportunities. The experts agreed that cross-border collaboration in the Greater Bay Area would be the main driver for the sector's transformation, citing Hong Kong's mature social work systems and advanced infrastructure.

However, practical hurdles such as securing a government sponsor under China's Foreign NGO Law and restrictions on cross-border fund transfers have posed challenges. To overcome these obstacles, the panelists advocated leveraging the Greater Bay Area as a policy sandbox, proposing targeted relaxations or special arrangements to facilitate cross-border integration.