The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Symposium and Informal Senior Officials' Meeting (ISOM) opened today in Shenzhen, marking the first official event under China’s chairmanship of APEC for 2026.

　　Running through Friday, the event launches the APEC "China Year," as China prepares to host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2026 — its third time leading the forum since joining in 1991. Shenzhen becomes the third Chinese city to host APEC, following Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014.

Zheng Yongnian, dean of the School of Public Policy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and director of the Qianhai Institute for International Affairs, speaks to reporters ahead of the APEC Symposium and Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting in Shenzhen today. Photo from app "Yangcheng Pai"

　　Speaking ahead of the meeting, Zheng Yongnian, dean of the School of Public Policy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and director of the Qianhai Institute for International Affairs, emphasized Shenzhen’s symbolic role in China’s reform and opening-up.

　　“Shenzhen is a product of openness,” Zheng told reporters this morning. “While some countries are now skeptical of globalization and openness, Shenzhen stands as a model of China’s reform and opening-up story.”

　　Zheng highlighted the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s industrial strengths in internet technology, artificial intelligence, and biomedicine — sectors with high relevance for APEC economies.

　　He said hosting the 2026 APEC meetings in Shenzhen will serve as a powerful platform to advance regional economic globalization.

　　Founded in 1989, APEC is the highest-level and most influential regional economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific. It currently has 21 member economies.

　　Positioned on the Pacific Rim, Shenzhen has transformed over recent decades from a small town into a modern international metropolis. As a pioneer of China’s economic reforms, it is seen as a vital window into the country’s continued commitment to mutual benefit and opening-up.