Shenzhen, China’s pioneering metropolis, has been selected as the host city for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November 2026. The announcement was made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the second session of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea. Shenzhen’s transformation from a modest fishing village to a global innovation hub exemplifies China’s reform and opening-up, making it an ideal venue to shape the future of Asia-Pacific cooperation. President Xi emphasized Shenzhen’s role as a living testament to China’s commitment to sustainable, digital, and green development. The city’s strategic emerging industries, including artificial intelligence, biotech, and advanced manufacturing, contribute significantly to its GDP, with added value reaching 1.56 trillion yuan in 2024. Shenzhen’s leadership in clean energy and sustainable urban development, such as electrifying its public bus fleet and producing renewable energy technologies, aligns with APEC’s goals of green growth. The city’s innovative edge was showcased at the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo, where its ‘Smart Manufacturing’ sector secured contracts worth millions. Experts like Daniel Dumbrill and Andrew Hutchins praised Shenzhen’s cooperative spirit and its potential to inspire APEC economies. President Xi also highlighted China’s ambitious climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, and its support for global green transitions through initiatives like the APEC Support Fund. The 2026 APEC meeting is expected to be a milestone in fostering a more open, inclusive, and sustainable Asia-Pacific economy.
Shenzhen named host city for APEC 2026 as China champions cooperation, green growth
