In 2016, Shenzhen started to partner with Hechi to make a real difference.

Shenzhen supported poverty alleviation efforts, contributing to beating poverty in Hechi. To consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation and connect with rural vitalization, Shenzhen continues to provide strong support to Hechi.

Over the past five years of poverty alleviation efforts, Guangdong province and Shenzhen city have provided financial support totaling 1.4 billion yuan ($196 million) and implemented 439 assistance projects, covering 11 counties and districts in Hechi.

Additionally, 76 Guangdong companies have been guided to invest in and develop in Hechi, while 830 labor training sessions have been conducted, benefiting over 30,000 individuals.

With the support of Shenzhen, in 2020 all 10 poverty-stricken counties in Hechi lifted themselves out of poverty. Furthermore, 817 impoverished villages there were removed from the poverty list and 765,200 registered poor individuals were lifted out of poverty.

Entering the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Guangdong-Guangxi cooperation has entered a new stage of deep-level and wide-ranging endeavors.

Shenzhen and Hechi have formed a strong partnership in industrial cooperation, labor cooperation, consumer assistance and the construction of rural vitalization demonstration areas.

Both places are expanding their labor cooperation. Shenzhen provides job opportunities for Hechi's people and organizes skills training in that city.

Shenzhen is also deepening assistance in promoting the sales of Hechi products. Currently, Hechi has 32 companies with 51 products holding Shenzhen quality certification, which has boosted sales of Hechi products in Shenzhen.

For its part, Hechi is facilitating industrial transfers from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. At the same time, Shenzhen has helped build 20 jointly-established industrial parks in Hechi.