Shenzhen's hosting of APEC 2026 hailed as 'great opportunity for world'

Harley Seyedin, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China), has enthusiastically endorsed Shenzhen's role as the host for the 2026 APEC summit, describing it as a "great opportunity, not just for Shenzhen or China, but the world as a whole."

In a compelling advocacy for the city, Seyedin highlighted Shenzhen's extraordinary transformation and its dynamic economic landscape as key reasons for its perfect suitability to host the global event. "Shenzhen is absolutely the perfect place to show what human beings can accomplish in a very short period of time when there's peace and there's cooperation in the world," Seyedin stated.

Harley Seyedin, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China. Courtesy of the interviewee

He pointed to two major factors. First, the city's meteoric rise from a small fishing village to a massive metropolis in just decades. This "Shenzhen Speed" has birthed a high-tech hub, often called the "Silicon Valley of China," hosting major international companies. Seyedin also praised the city's world-class infrastructure and quality of life, citing its "wonderful theaters, some of the best seaports, super highways, high-speed rails, and universities."

Second, Seyedin underscored Shenzhen's pivotal role in U.S.-China trade and the regional economy. AmCham South China, with over 2,300 members accounting for about 40% of all U.S.-China business trade and investment, has maintained a office in Shenzhen for over two decades. The chamber recently upgraded to a new office in Qianhai to support members keen on investing in the free trade zone.

Citing impressive statistics, Seyedin noted that Shenzhen is home to some 25,000 high-tech companies. Furthermore, the city is at the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), an economic powerhouse with a GDP exceeding US$2 trillion. He described the region as representing a "great deal of opportunity," lauding its dynamic economy, transparent government supportive of business, and advanced transportation and fiber-optic networks.

"Shenzhen represents a place where you can actually invest, do business and raise a family with the highest quality of life possible," Seyedin affirmed.

The AmCham president concluded with a clear call to action for the international business community. "The message is very clear. Please make sure you put the dates for the 2026 APEC in Shenzhen on your calendar," he urged. "Do not miss this opportunity to discover China, as well as discovering Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, and the Greater Bay Area."