Shenzhen, the south China megacity set to host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November, is deepening its two-way trade and investment ties with APEC economies, leveraging its strategic position as a key gateway between China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
From China's vast manufacturing base to markets around the world, Shenzhen's Yantian Port offers a front-row view of the country's growing trade with the Asia-Pacific.
The port is one of China's key gateways to global trade, with goods departing from its harbors reaching more than 240 countries and regions. With 11 new APEC routes added this year, Yantian is further strengthening Shenzhen's role as a major trade hub in south China.
As one of the world's largest single-site container terminals, Yantian manages around 100 international routes every week, reaching 53 APEC economies.
"From January to May, trade between the Chinese mainland and other APEC economies through Yantian port reached nearly 400 billion yuan (about 59 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for half of the port's total foreign trade. This highlights Yantian's role as a key hub connecting the Greater Bay Area with APEC economies," said Pang Ning, general manager of the Commercial Department of Yantian International Container Terminals.
Far more than just a port city, Shenzhen also produces many of the high-end technologies that are shipped from its shores. Just a few dozen kilometers away in Bao'an District, a semiconductor materials company has been operating for 37 years, with customers across APEC economies including the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia.
"Before we moved our factory to Bao'an, we ranked outside the global top six. We've continued to move up since then. From talent to efficiency, we've benefited from the decision to build our business here," said Lei Guohui, general manager of Advanced Assembly Materials China Ltd.
Shenzhen is not only a gateway for Chinese companies to access overseas markets, but a major destination for foreign investment.
In the first half of this year, the city's actual use of foreign investment grew by more than half year on year. APEC economies accounted for more than 90 percent, as a major source of investment.
And with three months to go until the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, Shenzhen is preparing to feature that connection center stage.
"As a Shenzhen resident, I'm honored that the city is hosting the APEC (Economic) Leaders' Meeting. We hope our company can play a part and show the world that Shenzhen is home to many globally minded businesses," said Lei.
Shenzhen deepens two-way trade, investment ties with APEC economies
