Shenzhen's Trade and Tech Boom Highlights Asia-Pacific Integration
Event summary
- Shenzhen's imports and exports with APEC economies grew from 267.5 billion yuan in 1996 to 3.13 trillion yuan in 2025, a tenfold increase.
- In 2025, electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, photovoltaic products, AI-powered products, and medical instruments accounted for 25.6% of Shenzhen's exports to APEC member economies.
- Shenzhen hosted 16,000 foreign-funded enterprises in 2025, with 93.3% from Asia-Pacific economies, up 71.7% year on year.
- Shenzhen-based Keyto invested in a factory in Penang, Malaysia, serving customers in North America, ASEAN, and other Asia-Pacific economies.
- By the end of 2026, Singapore-based ComfortDelGro Group will establish its autonomous driving mobility headquarters in Shenzhen.
The big picture
Shenzhen's transformation from a small border town to an international innovation hub underscores the interconnected development and shared prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. The city's trade connectivity, industrial integration, and innovation partnerships highlight the strategic importance of openness, cooperation, and technological advancement in driving regional economic growth. As Shenzhen hosts the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, its development serves as a model for Asia-Pacific economies seeking to seize new opportunities and meet challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
What we're watching
- Trade Expansion
- How Shenzhen's trade growth with APEC economies will influence regional economic integration and shared prosperity.
- Foreign Investment
- Whether Shenzhen can sustain its appeal to foreign investment, particularly in high-tech industries.
- Technological Innovation
- The pace at which Shenzhen-based companies will expand overseas, bringing new growth momentum to the Asia-Pacific region.
Related topics