Hosting APEC unlocks new opportunities for Shenzhen

Zheng Yongnian, dean of the School of Public Policy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and president of the Institute for International Affairs, Qianhai

■ Yang Liping, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily

Shenzhen is in a race against time to prepare for November’s APEC meeting, united behind a single mission: “Excellence in Hosting, Warmth in Welcome.” In a recent interview with Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, Prof. Zheng Yongnian, dean of the School of Public Policy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and president of the Institute for International Affairs, Qianhai, hailed the event as a source of limitless opportunities for the city’s future.

Zheng emphasized that amidst a volatile international landscape, China’s commitment to opening-up remains paramount. Reflecting on decades of growth driven by globalization — particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta — Zheng noted that China’s economy is now inextricably linked with the global market. “Chinese modernization is impossible under a closed-door policy; it demands an even higher level of openness,” he stated.

As a “new Shenzhener,” Zheng expressed pride in the city being chosen as the host of the APEC gathering. He pointed out that the Asia-Pacific has been the world’s most dynamic and stable economic region for four decades and is poised to remain the global economic center in the years to come.

Zheng identified Shenzhen’s strategic role as the bridge between Hong Kong and Guangzhou as a key factor in its selection as the host. Moreover, the theme of this year’s APEC — openness, innovation, and cooperation — is the very DNA of Shenzhen. The city is a living testament to how reform and innovation can transform a small fishing village into a modern metropolis.

“APEC will empower high-level opening-up across Shenzhen and China,” Zheng stressed. He defined this “high-level” approach through three pillars: inclusive multilateralism, institutional alignment of rules, regulations, management, and standards, and unilateral opening-up. He urged Shenzhen to evolve from the internationalization of goods to the internationalization of talent, institutions, and governance.

Zheng envisions a symbiotic relationship between APEC and Shenzhen. While APEC accelerates Shenzhen’s internationalization, the city’s development model offers a blueprint for other emerging APEC economies. By sharing its success story, Shenzhen can provide both practical lessons and confidence to developing nations.

To sustain this momentum, Zheng argued that Shenzhen must continue to drive globalization by further opening its markets while expanding its global footprint with high-standard, high-quality enterprises.

When asked about preparations, Zheng emphasized the need for professionalism and meticulous execution, translating national macro-level opening-up policies into concrete local actions. He also issued a call to the city’s 20 million residents.

“Hosting APEC is not just the responsibility of organizers; it is a collective endeavor,” Zheng said. He encouraged citizens to embrace the spirit of the event, enhance their international awareness, and foster a welcoming atmosphere. “Everyone should get involved with a positive attitude to show the world the best of Shenzhen.”(Translated by Li Jing)

2000年11月15日下午，亚太经合组织第八次领导人非正式会议在文莱首都斯里巴加湾市国际会议中心开幕。 会议讨论了经济全球化、“新经济”、多边贸易体制及人力资源开发等议题。会议通过《亚太经合组织经济领导人宣言：造福社会》和《新经济行动议程》，聚焦电子商务、无纸交易及人才培养，明确支持中国加入世界贸易组织。

文莱斯里巴加湾市，奥马尔阿里赛福鼎清真寺。 The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque stands as an iconic landmark in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.

斯里巴加湾市是文莱首都，隶属文莱－摩拉区，位于文莱湾西南岸，面积100.36平方公里，人口约24万，经济以石油、天然气等为主。始建于中世纪，16世纪以手工业闻名。作为全国文化教育中心，保留世界上现存最大的水上村落群，被誉为“东方威尼斯”。

Eighth Stop:

Bandar Seri

Begawan, Brunei

On November 15, 2000, the 8th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting convened in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. Leaders focused their discussions on globalization, the new economy, the multilateral trading system, and human resources development. The summit adopted the APEC Economic Leaders’ Declaration: Delivering to the Community and the Action Agenda for the New Economy, which prioritized e-commerce, paperless trading, and talent cultivation. Notably, the meeting voiced support for China’s accession to the WTO.

As the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan is located in the Brunei-Muara District on the southwestern shore of Brunei Bay. Covering an area of 100.36 square kilometers and home to 240,000 people, the city has an economy anchored by the oil and gas industries. Founded in the Middle Ages, the city rose to fame in the 16th century for its exquisite handicrafts. Today, it boasts the world’s largest surviving stilt-house settlement, known as the “Water Village,” which has earned it the nickname “Venice of the East.”

是亚太经合组织为促进亚太地区贸易投资便利化推出的一项多边签证便利政策。申请人一次申办，五年有效，多次入境，每次至少可停留60天。各经济体普遍为持卡人提供通关便利。

APEC Business Travel Card

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a travel document issued to business travelers and entrepreneurs from APEC member economies, designed to facilitate seamless and efficient cross-border travel within the Asia-Pacific region. Valid for five years, the ABTC allows cardholders to enjoy expedited visa processing and access to dedicated immigration lanes at participating airports, significantly reducing travel time and administrative burdens. It also permits multiple entries, with each stay lasting at least 60 days.