Conference held to foster SZ-Osaka economic exchange

Video by Lin Jianping

On May 12 local time, the Shenzhen-Osaka Innovation Cooperation Conference, themed “Better Life, Co-Creation by Shenzhen and Osaka,” was held at the Imperial Hotel Osaka. 

A sideline event of the Shenzhen Week of China Pavilion at Osaka 2025 Expo, it attracted nearly 150 Chinese and Japanese government and business representatives. Attendees engaged in dialogues and exchanges on topics such as business environment promotion, industrial collaboration, and cultural tourism cooperation.

The Shenzhen-Osaka Innovation Cooperation Conference, themed “Better Life, Co-Creation by Shenzhen and Osaka,” is held at the Imperial Hotel Osaka in Osaka, Japan on May 12 local time. Photos by Lin Jianping otherwise stated

Shenzhen showcased its appeal as a prime investment destination. Over 30 Shenzhen-based enterprises presented their latest technological innovations at the conference. Leading companies such as Tencent, BYD, and Honor shared the stage with renowned Japanese corporations like Panasonic and Itochu, exchanging innovative ideas and exploring collaboration opportunities to strengthen economic and trade ties between Shenzhen and Osaka.

Visitors try out a health check machine at the China Pavilion.

In his speech, Shenzhen vice mayor Luo Huanghao noted that since Shenzhen and Osaka became sister cities in 2010, cultural exchanges have become more frequent, and economic and trade cooperation has grown stronger. Shenzhen hopes to continue strengthening industrial collaboration with Japanese enterprises in key sectors such as semiconductor integrated circuits, intelligent connected vehicles, robotics, biomedicine, and new health materials, as well as in service industries like retail and tourism. He extended a sincere invitation to Japanese entrepreneurs to choose Shenzhen for investment and to establish deep roots in the city.

Chinese Consul General in Osaka Xue Jian delivers a speech at the conference. 

Data shows that in 2024, Shenzhen’s import and export trade with Japan reached approximately US$26.4 billion, marking a 16.4% increase. Japanese investment in Shenzhen has surpassed US$3.8 billion, while Shenzhen‘s investment in Japan totals US$430 million.

Pooneh Dabiri (R), from Iran, learns martial arts from Wang Yuanlin, a performer of Shenzhen-produced dance drama “Wing Chun.” Daichi Araki

At the conference, Riko Ogawa from Panasonic Holdings Corp. spoke about the company‘s strong connection with Shenzhen, describing the city as the forefront of China’s reform and opening-up and a hub of technological innovation. 

She shared, “This year, Panasonic established its China headquarters for the projector business in Shenzhen. Additionally, Panasonic Energy has maintained a long-standing collaboration with Shenzhen-based BTR. In recent years, Panasonic has actively explored applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing in partnership with Shenzhen-based SmartMore.”

Hanson Liu, country manager of Tencent Cloud Japan, presented three core business areas during a roadshow: gaming, Tencent Cloud, and WeChat Pay. 

A corner featuring Tencent’s Weixin Pay, also known as WeChat Pay. Daichi Araki

Discussing Tencent‘s future plans in Japan, he told Shenzhen Daily that while their main operations in Japan are based in Tokyo, they plan to expand into Osaka this year by investing in a new data center and opening a new office. 

Liu specifically noted that Tencent has integrated AI into more than 700 products and aims to support Japan’s manufacturing digital transformation through collaboration with DeepSeek‘s advanced technology.

He also said that, as an exhibitor at Shenzhen Week during the Osaka Expo, Tencent is honored to showcase the company‘s solutions. 

“The Osaka Expo draws significant attention both internationally and in Japan. When expanding overseas, our market position and reputation are crucial. We hope this platform helps more Japanese industries learn about our solutions.” 

Company representatives sign agreements at a signing ceremony at the conference. 

Shenzhen company Guangdong Robot Storm Co. Ltd. demonstrated its self-developed intelligent physiotherapy robot at the conference exhibition. The company's chief engineer and co-founder Liang Shiyun proudly shared, “The is one of our first self-developed robots. It was sold to Japan, and the one on display here, we borrowed it from our Japanese customer.”

Founded in September 2023, this young company has developed an independent six-dimensional sensing technology system, completed Pre-A round financing, and is currently working on the Series B round. Liang said the company already has a strong order volume domestically and is expanding into overseas markets.

He added that the innovation conference platform is invaluable for learning from other companies, expanding markets, and connecting with potential customers.

Visitors browse through items in the China Pavilion Souvenir Shop. Daichi Araki