Shenzhen’s evolution from a border town to a global technology hub highlights the power of interconnected growth across the Asia-Pacific as it hosts the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

Trade with APEC economies reached 3.13 trillion yuan in 2025, driven heavily by exports of electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and artificial intelligence products.

Foreign investment continues to surge, with 93.3 percent of the 16,000 new foreign-funded enterprises established in 2025 originating from Asia-Pacific partners, and over 70 percent of foreign capital flowing directly into high-tech R&D.

Furthermore, cross-border supply chains and innovation partnerships—such as Shenzhen manufacturers establishing plants in Malaysia and Singaporean transit operators basing autonomous driving headquarters in the city—demonstrate how openness and shared technology strengthen regional prosperity.

Source: People’s Daily