Vigorously developing water economy is a measure for Guangdong Province to implement the concept of ecological civilization and practice the new development concept. In recent years

the Pearl River Delta region in Guangdong Province has achieved certain positive results in promoting the development of water economy. However

due to the fact that it is still in the early stage of developing water economy

on the one hand

the connotation

extension and institutional mechanism of water economy development are not yet clear

which may deviate from the original intention of “protecting in development and developing in protection”. On the other hand

the related business models of water economy development on the basis of pilot projects are gradually becoming more and more integrated

and problems such as weak market foundation will restrict the further development of water economy. In response to this series of issues

this article proposes the concept and connotation

the development path and mode of water economy. It also puts forward countermeasures and suggestions to promote the development of water economy in the Pearl River Delta region from the aspects of developing top-level design

strengthening coordination and linkage among multiple departments

accurately formulating support policies

creating industrial clusters

establishing industry associations

and strengthening self-regulatory supervision. These suggestions can provide reference and guidance for the development of water economy in other regions of Guangdong Province and other provinces.