雲南，中國西南部邊陲省份，毗連越南、老撾及緬甸三個東盟國家。國家經濟改革開放後，雲南的發展一直落後於沿海省市，且經濟差距日漸擴大。然而，隨著經濟全球化和區域一體化的趨勢，以及國家發展策略的調整，雲南得到了新的發展機遇。

在「十一五」期間（2006-2010），雲南的工作重點放在改善民生和收窄城鄉差距、加大扶貧和「三農」工作的投入，力求改變貧困人口眾多的情況，提高全省人民的基本生活水平。其次，省政府不斷增加對基礎設施建設，特別是交通方面的投入，以整合和完善省內外的運輸發展網絡。同時調整產業結構、培養優勢產業，向現代化經濟轉型。在區域發展策略方面，將通過交通、經濟活動等不同生產要素，充當中方窗口及發揮橋頭堡作用，推動西南省區與東南亞和南亞國家地緣關係的發展，促進中國–東盟自由貿易區的建立和帶動大湄公河次區域的發展；此外，亦加強省際聯繫，深化與泛珠三角、長三角等區域的交流。

同為泛珠三角成員的香港與雲南，雖然在經濟發展階段和產業結構等方面存有明顯差距，但在區域發展新形勢下，以香港為「龍頭」的大珠三角地區，以及以「龍尾」雲南為首的大湄公河次區域，可以分別發展成為平台。滇港攜手促進兩個平台在人、貨、資金等多方面的流動，既有助泛珠三角區域本身的成長，也可增加雙方與國際和東盟市場的聯繫。

The Pan-Pearl River Delta Region and Hong Kong under the Eleventh Five-year Plan Research Series: IX. Yunnan and Hong Kong

Yunnan, a province in southwest China that borders three ASEAN countries — Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar — has developed slowly since the launching of economic reforms in the country, and has fallen behind the level of development in the coastal provinces. The gap in economic conditions between Yunnan and the coastal provinces is getting larger. Nevertheless, a globalizing economy, the trend towards regional cooperation, and an adjustment of national strategies have provided Yunnan with new opportunities for development.

In the Eleventh Five-year plan period (2006-2010), the Yunnan provincial government has put the focus on improving the livelihood of the people, narrowing urban-rural disparities, alleviating poverty, and developing the rural areas. The aim is to reduce the large number of people living in poverty and to raise living standards across the province. In addition, more infrastructure, especially transport infrastructure, will be built to facilitate local, regional, and international transportation and flows. At the same time, the province is striving to modernize its economy by optimizing its economic structure and fostering the development of certain leading industries. Concerning its regional development strategy, and facilitated by new transport infrastructure and economic strategies, the government aims to advance geopolitical relations with Southeast Asian and South Asian countries. Furthermore, it is fostering the establishment of ACFTA and the development of the Greater Mekong Sub-region, and also enhancing interactions with the Pan-Pearl River Delta (Pan-PRD) and the Yangtze River Delta regions.

Although there are significant differences between Hong Kong and Yunnan in stage of development and industrial structure, the Greater PRD region with Hong Kong as the “dragon’s head”, and the Greater Mekong Sub-region with Yunnan as the “dragon’s tail” can be developed into two platforms to accelerate further regional cooperation. The two platforms can increase flows of people, goods, and capital, a condition that can be useful not only for nurturing the Pan-PRD region, but also for strengthening Pan-PRD region’s connections to ASEAN and international markets.