Bao' an seeks to enhance intl. appeal with expats' insights

A group of international visitors embarked on a cycling tour along the Xiwan-Qianhai Bay section of the Shenzhen Mountain-Sea Vistas route on the morning of June 8, followed by an inspection of the district’s efforts to advance internationalization.

Expats are seen during a cycling tour in Bao'an. File photo

Klaus Zenkel, vice president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, who participated in the event, remarked, “I experienced firsthand the vibrant atmosphere of Bao’an — a dynamic and thriving urban district.”

As Shenzhen’s aerial gateway and economic powerhouse, Bao’an boasts strong foundations for international cooperation and active cross-border exchanges. In 2023, the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport recorded over 5 million international and regional passenger trips, with its flight network spanning 31 countries and regions across five continents, according to Bao’an Daily. (In official aviation terms on the Chinese mainland, regional air routes refer to flights to Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.)

Since its inauguration in May 2023, the Bao’an International Organizations and Foreign Chambers of Commerce Cluster has attracted 15 member institutions. This year, driven by the area’s opportunities and the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, Bao’an has seen a surge in foreign investment, business activity, and tourism. To enhance the experience for international visitors, the district has introduced multilingual services and transportation measures.

To further elevate its global profile, Bao’an has drawn on advanced international practices and engaged diverse experts in decision-making. In February, the district established the Internationalization Enhancement Advisory Committee, enlisting 18 experts in urban planning, business operations, industrial development, and tourism to co-create strategies for a world-class urban center.