At present there are several opportunities for Dongguan. There is the national "Belt and Road" initiative, plans to build the International Science and Technology Innovation Centre and the Comprehensive National Science Centre in Guangdong, Hong Kong and the Macao Greater Bay Area. To discuss these and to strengthen exchange and cooperation with Israel's Holon City, Greek's Thessaloniki City, and Russia's Dubna City, a Dongguan delegation led by Mr. Xiao Yafei (Mayor of Dongguan) visited Israel, Greece and Russia from 4th to 13th August. The trip also sought to further study of scientific research and technological transformation in Europe and Asia, and conduct talks on economic and trade cooperation.

The delegation carried out 22 activities in ten days, inspecting 9 cities including Israel's Haifa, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Holon, Greece's Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as Russia's Moscow, Dubna and St. Petersburg.

Dongguan signed a formal sister city agreement with Israel's Holon on August 6th, 2019.

While in Israel, the delegation visited Haifa Industrial Park, the Israeli Institute of Technology, Hebrew University, and the Chinese Embassy in Israel. It also visited the Holon Municipal Government, signed a formal sister city agreement, inspected 6 innovative companies, and listened to advice regarding construction of the Greater Bay Area University in Dongguan, the introduction of international talents, the establishment of venture capital funds and other aspects. Mr. Xiao said that Israel is a country of innovation while Dongguan is a manufacturing city. He hoped to promote deepening cooperation and jointly develop international and domestic markets through "Israel's basic research and technological innovation plus Dongguan’s advanced manufacturing and the transfer of scientific research achievements."