Shenzhen, the bustling metropolis in Guangdong province, has been chosen to host the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026. This announcement has thrust the city into the global limelight, garnering widespread recognition and praise. This marks the third time China will host APEC, following Beijing in 2001 and Shanghai in 2014. The selection of Shenzhen is seen as both fitting and significant, reflecting its role as a beacon of China’s reform, opening-up, and modernization.
Shenzhen’s transformation from a modest fishing village to a global economic powerhouse is nothing short of remarkable. In 2024, its GDP reached 3.68 trillion yuan ($516.73 billion), a staggering leap from 270 million yuan in 1980. The city also cemented its status as China’s top foreign trade hub, with total import and export values hitting 4.5 trillion yuan. Shenzhen’s alignment with APEC’s core values of open trade, digital transformation, and sustainable growth makes it an ideal host.
Experts highlight Shenzhen’s symbolic importance. Dai Yonghong, dean of Shenzhen University’s College of International Studies, emphasized that the city serves as a window into China’s development model and a testament to its reform success. ‘Through Shenzhen, China will showcase its path to modernization, particularly to developing nations,’ Dai noted.
As a hub of technological innovation, Shenzhen is home to global giants like Huawei, Tencent, and DJI, underscoring China’s commitment to high-quality development and self-reliance in science and technology. Zeng Guosong, secretary-general of the International SparkLink Alliance, sees APEC 2026 as a platform to highlight Shenzhen’s advancements in sectors like wireless communication and foster international collaboration.
The event is also a source of pride for local residents. Ding Hui, a 22-year-old graduate student, expressed enthusiasm about volunteering and sharing the city’s spirit of openness and innovation with global leaders. Meanwhile, Ma Jiangtao, founding director of the Doctorate Association in Shenzhen, plans to leverage APEC to promote talent exchanges and innovation cooperation.
Hosting APEC 2026 will further test and enhance Shenzhen’s capabilities in conference organization, urban management, and international exchanges. Guo Wanda of the China Development Institute views the event as a milestone that will elevate Shenzhen’s global profile and drive improvements in its soft power and infrastructure.