Kishore Mahbubani Highlights Shenzhen's Role in APEC and Global Development
Shenzhen has recently emerged as a key player in global discussions, specifically highlighted during the Informal Senior Officials' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). As the host city and the future venue for the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2026, Shenzhen has captured the attention of international officials and business leaders alike.
Kishore Mahbubani, the former Singaporean ambassador to the United Nations, who initially attended the first APEC Leaders' Meeting in 1993, returns to Shenzhen with an analytical perspective. He describes the city as "the fastest-developing city in global history." His excitement is palpable as he anticipates the impressions the APEC leaders will have when they see firsthand what Shenzhen has accomplished.
During his exploration of the city, Mahbubani reflects on how Shenzhen has evolved from rice fields into an economic powerhouse that now rivals major metropolitan areas around the world. Standing atop a skyscraper overlooking Shenzhen Bay, he cannot help but draw parallels to Hong Kong’s development decades ago. The transformation of the skyline is a testament to the relentless growth and urbanization of Shenzhen.
A significant highlight of Mahbubani's visit was a tour of BYD, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer based in Shenzhen. Mahbubani had the opportunity to test new models and witness demonstrations of cutting-edge battery technology. Founded just three decades ago, BYD has expanded its reach to 116 countries and regions worldwide, epitomizing the broader technological advancements marking Shenzhen's swift industrial evolution.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of Shenzhen's designation as a Special Economic Zone, a period during which the city has rapidly developed into one of the mainland’s largest urban economies. Known for its innovative policies and project pilots, Shenzhen stands out as a laboratory for China's developmental strategies.
However, Mahbubani stresses that Shenzhen's success is not solely due to its economic prowess; it also stems from its institutional strength. At the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, he interacted with startups and Hong Kong-based enterprises benefiting from integrated government services and political support. This model of governance is seen as both effective and replicable.
The past 45 years have also redefined the relationship between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, evolving from a one-way transfer of resources to a mutually reinforcing partnership. The youthful population and the rich ecosystem of innovation continue to attract emerging industries, spanning electric vehicles to augmented reality technologies. In a climate of global economic slowdown, characterizing Shenzhen as a beacon of innovative thinking on development is hardly an exaggeration.
Mahbubani believes that Shenzhen's achievements serve as a compelling source of inspiration for nations worldwide, demonstrating what can be accomplished within a remarkably short time frame. He concludes, "What Shenzhen has achieved can truly inspire other countries to recognize how much progress can be made in such a brief period." As Shenzhen prepares for its prominent role in the upcoming APEC meetings, the eyes of the world will certainly be on this dynamic city, eager to learn from its rapid journey towards profound economic development.
Kishore Mahbubani, the former Singaporean ambassador to the United Nations, who initially attended the first APEC Leaders' Meeting in 1993, returns to Shenzhen with an analytical perspective. He describes the city as "the fastest-developing city in global history." His excitement is palpable as he anticipates the impressions the APEC leaders will have when they see firsthand what Shenzhen has accomplished.
During his exploration of the city, Mahbubani reflects on how Shenzhen has evolved from rice fields into an economic powerhouse that now rivals major metropolitan areas around the world. Standing atop a skyscraper overlooking Shenzhen Bay, he cannot help but draw parallels to Hong Kong’s development decades ago. The transformation of the skyline is a testament to the relentless growth and urbanization of Shenzhen.
A significant highlight of Mahbubani's visit was a tour of BYD, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer based in Shenzhen. Mahbubani had the opportunity to test new models and witness demonstrations of cutting-edge battery technology. Founded just three decades ago, BYD has expanded its reach to 116 countries and regions worldwide, epitomizing the broader technological advancements marking Shenzhen's swift industrial evolution.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of Shenzhen's designation as a Special Economic Zone, a period during which the city has rapidly developed into one of the mainland’s largest urban economies. Known for its innovative policies and project pilots, Shenzhen stands out as a laboratory for China's developmental strategies.
However, Mahbubani stresses that Shenzhen's success is not solely due to its economic prowess; it also stems from its institutional strength. At the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, he interacted with startups and Hong Kong-based enterprises benefiting from integrated government services and political support. This model of governance is seen as both effective and replicable.
The past 45 years have also redefined the relationship between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, evolving from a one-way transfer of resources to a mutually reinforcing partnership. The youthful population and the rich ecosystem of innovation continue to attract emerging industries, spanning electric vehicles to augmented reality technologies. In a climate of global economic slowdown, characterizing Shenzhen as a beacon of innovative thinking on development is hardly an exaggeration.
Mahbubani believes that Shenzhen's achievements serve as a compelling source of inspiration for nations worldwide, demonstrating what can be accomplished within a remarkably short time frame. He concludes, "What Shenzhen has achieved can truly inspire other countries to recognize how much progress can be made in such a brief period." As Shenzhen prepares for its prominent role in the upcoming APEC meetings, the eyes of the world will certainly be on this dynamic city, eager to learn from its rapid journey towards profound economic development.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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