BEIJING, November 15, 2026: China’s southern technology hub Shenzhen is preparing to host the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting next week, bringing regional economies together to discuss trade, innovation, connectivity and economic cooperation.
The summit marks China’s first hosting of the APEC leaders’ gathering in 12 years, with Shenzhen becoming the third Chinese city after Shanghai and Beijing to host the event.
China has identified openness, innovation and cooperation as the three priorities of its 2026 APEC presidency, reflecting Shenzhen’s transformation from a small coastal settlement into a major global technology and manufacturing centre.
Since becoming a special economic zone in 1980, Shenzhen’s economy has expanded dramatically. Its GDP increased from 270 million yuan to 3.87 trillion yuan in 2025, making it China’s third-largest city economy after Shanghai and Beijing.
Home to major technology companies including Huawei and BYD, Shenzhen has emerged as a centre for electric vehicles, industrial robotics, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.
The city now has more than two million science and technology professionals, highlighting its growing role in China’s innovation-driven development.
As part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen also serves as a testing ground for cross-border economic integration, regulatory coordination and improved trade connectivity.
China is using its APEC presidency to promote what it describes as “China Opportunity 2.0”, shifting the emphasis from traditional manufacturing and market access towards technological innovation, industrial upgrading and international research partnerships.
According to official figures, approximately 14,000 new foreign-invested enterprises were established in China’s scientific research and technical services sector in 2025, representing a 27.2 percent annual increase.
Throughout 2026, China has organised more than 300 APEC meetings and activities covering trade, tourism, small businesses, energy and other areas of regional cooperation.
The upcoming summit is expected to focus on strengthening regional supply chains, expanding digital trade, promoting artificial intelligence cooperation and improving economic connectivity.
The gathering comes amid concerns over growing protectionism and global economic uncertainty, with participating economies seeking practical measures to support sustainable growth and regional integration.