Shenzhen hailed as ideal choice for hosting APEC

China's announcement that Shenzhen will host the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2026 has placed the coastal city in the global spotlight, drawing widespread attention and acclaim.

This will be the third time for China to host APEC, following Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014.

For many observers, APEC 2026 is poised to open a new chapter, showcasing Shenzhen's remarkable achievements and highlighting China's sustained contribution to shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.

They said the choice of Shenzhen, a metropolis in South China's Guangdong province, is seen as both natural and meaningful.

Dai Yonghong, dean of Shenzhen University's College of International Studies, emphasized the city's symbolic importance. "Shenzhen serves as a window showcasing China's development model, acting as a testing ground for the country's reform and opening-up, and standing as a prime example of the success," Dai said.

"Through the case of Shenzhen, China will also showcase at APEC — a platform focused on economy and cooperation — a Chinese path to modernization that has led to economic takeoff, particularly to developing countries."

From its beginnings as a small fishing village, Shenzhen has grown into an economic powerhouse, with its GDP soaring to 3.68 trillion yuan ($516.73 billion) in 2024 from just 270 million yuan in 1980. In 2024, its total import and export value reached 4.5 trillion yuan, cementing its position as China's top foreign trade city.

Shenzhen's evolution aligns closely with APEC's emphasis on open trade, digital transformation and sustainable growth. As a key growth engine of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the city serves as a platform for promoting new forms of globalization and regional integration.

Guo Wanda, executive vice-president of the Shenzhen-based China Development Institute, noted that the city's dynamism and innovative capacity reflect the very principles APEC advocates, such as trade liberalization and facilitation.

Shenzhen's robust ecosystem of multinational corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises offers a compelling example of the synergy that APEC aims to foster across the Asia-Pacific, he added.

In addition, Shenzhen's stature as a hub of technological innovation — hosting tech heavyweights such as Huawei, Tencent and DJI — reinforces China's commitment to high-quality development and self-reliance in science and technology.

Zeng Guosong, secretary-general of the Shenzhen-based International SparkLink Alliance, views APEC 2026 as a valuable opportunity. "The event will focus global attention on Shenzhen's advancements in sectors such as wireless communication," he said. "We look forward to engaging with international partners and showcasing our standards and vision."

Beyond its economic and technological significance, the choice of Shenzhen is also a source of pride for local residents.

Ding Hui, a 22-year-old graduate student at South China Agricultural University, born and raised in the city, expressed excitement about the upcoming gathering. "Shenzhen represents openness, innovation, and inclusion. I truly hope to volunteer during the event and help share the energy and passion of Chinese youth with leaders from across the region," Ding said.

Ma Jiangtao, founding director of the Doctorate Association in Shenzhen, plans to leverage the APEC platform to promote talent exchanges and innovation cooperation. "We will organize activities to bring overseas experts and young scientists to Shenzhen, strengthening international exchanges and supporting the city's development as a global innovation hub," he said.

Hosting an event of this scale will further test and enhance Shenzhen's capabilities in conference organization, urban management, and international exchanges. "It represents both a milestone and a catalyst — elevating Shenzhen's global profile while motivating further improvements in its soft power and infrastructure," said Guo, the expert at China Development Institute.

Contact the writers at jihaisheng@chinadaily.com.cn