Xinhua – China has announced that the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting will be held on November 18–19 in Shenzhen, marking the first time the fast-growing tech hub will host the region’s premier economic forum.The confirmation, released by Chinese authorities, positions Shenzhen as the focal point of regional economic diplomacy next year, as leaders from the 21 APEC member economies convene to discuss trade, investment, sustainability and digital transformation across the Asia-Pacific.
The selection of Shenzhen — China’s innovation capital and home to major technology firms including Huawei, Tencent, and BYD — underscores Beijing’s intention to showcase its technological leadership and its ambitions for deeper economic integration within the region.
The 2026 summit will mark China’s third time hosting APEC, following meetings in Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014. APEC, established in 1989, serves as a key platform for advancing free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific. The forum also promotes inclusive and sustainable growth, with member economies collectively accounting for nearly 60% of global GDP and half of world trade.
