Global finance leaders chart future in Shenzhen

Video by Lin Jianping

Global policymakers, financial leaders, and academics gathered for the 2025 Shenzhen International Finance Conference, which opened in Qianhai yesterday, to discuss building China into a modern financial powerhouse.

Part of the 19th Shenzhen International Financial Expo, which also opened yesterday, the three-day conference focuses on technological innovation, cross-border finance, and financial culture.

The 2025 Shenzhen International Finance Conference opens in Qianhai yesterday, bringing together policymakers, financial leaders, and academics from home and abroad. Lin Jianping

In a video speech, former South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo congratulated Shenzhen on being chosen to host the 2026 APEC summit, calling it a “clear testament to the city's global standing.”

Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo delivers a video address, praising Shenzhen’s rising global stature and outlining a vision for its financial future. Lin Jianping

He outlined a three-part vision for Shenzhen's financial future — funding advanced manufacturing, championing fintech, and promoting green development. He stressed that "technology alone is not enough," highlighting that strong governance and talent are essential.

Wang Zhongmin, former vice chairman of the National Council for Social Security Fund, shares his perspectives on Shenzhen’s global financial positioning. Photos from WeChat account "人民大学” unless otherwise stated

In a keynote address, Wang Zhongmin, former vice chairman of the National Council for Social Security Fund, highlighted the city's proven track record in leveraging global capital. He cited the early establishment of Apple's supply chain in Shenzhen as a catalyst that enabled local companies to develop their own technologies, products, and even globally recognized brands.

"Shenzhen was an early global focal area for R&D investment," Wang told Shenzhen Daily, pointing to the influx of international corporations establishing research hubs in the city and parallel expansion of Chinese tech giants like Huawei abroad.

Zhou Yanli, former vice chairman of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission, delivers a keynote speech highlighting Shenzhen’s role in financial innovation.

Zhou Yanli, former vice chairman of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission, emphasized Shenzhen's role as a hub of innovation. "Tech innovation finance is a key focus," he stated, outlining a broader strategy that also prioritizes the development of green, inclusive, digital, and pension finance to support the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The practical benefits of Shenzhen's financial environment were echoed by Finder founder Ren Rumao, who moved his culture and education business from Beijing to Shenzhen between 2020 and 2025.

"We find that the connection between Shenzhen and Hong Kong is convenient," Ren said. He added that coordinating with overseas partners on financial matters is "very efficient and down-to-earth," crediting Shenzhen's deeply integrated financial and business environment.