The 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will take place in Shenzhen this November. Liu Baokui, director of the Regional Development Strategy Research Center at the National Development and Reform Commission, shared his views on the summit’s importance for the city and the Asia-Pacific region.Liu noted that choosing Shenzhen reflects the central authorities’ strong recognition of its development and signals China’s steadfast commitment to high-level opening-up. As China’s first special economic zone, a pilot demonstration area for socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the third Chinese city to host APEC, Shenzhen is ready to showcase an open, confident, and innovation-driven China to the world.Shenzhen has made thorough preparations. With world-class venues, efficient logistics, professional volunteer services, and scenic coastal surroundings, the city is ready to leave a lasting “Chinese imprint” on the APEC legacy.Liu said the summit offers world leaders a firsthand look at China’s business environment, economic vitality, and quality of life. Beyond the event, Liu believes it will project an authentic, multidimensional image of modernizing China to the international community.
Hosting APEC will boost Shenzhen’s global profile and accelerate its evolution into a top-tier international metropolis. Drawing on previous host cities’ experiences, Liu noted that such summits enhance visibility, credibility, and the ability to attract high-endresources. The event will also deepen integration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and strengthen the “twin-star” synergy between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.Liu suggested Shenzhen use the summit to refine its international services—from healthcare and multilingual signage to digital payments — making the city more attractive to global talent and tourists. He also stressed leveraging the summit’s “long-tail effect” to attract international organizations, host world-class forums, and boost innovation in AI, the low-altitude economy, and advanced manufacturing.Finally, Liu called on Shenzhen to benchmark itself against elite global cities and contribute “Shenzhen Wisdom” to Asia-Pacific prosperity. “The APEC meeting is a window to showcase the practice of Chinese modernization,” he concluded.