On the afternoon of Jan. 30, more than 30 representatives from international organizations and investment promotion agencies based in Shenzhen — from 14 countries and regions including U.K., Germany, Australia and Singapore — joined senior representatives from major Qianhai firms at a New Year meetup in Qianhai Block V to explore new opportunities for regional openness and cooperation.
Wen Ping, deputy director-general of the Qianhai Authority, warmly welcomed the guests. She noted that Shenzhen will host APEC 2026 and called for close collaboration with these “super connectors” to plan high-impact trade and investment activities and to build practical, efficient matchmaking platforms. She also pledged that Qianhai will keep improving its international business environment and one-stop services to provide full-chain support for international organizations, foreign talent and multinational companies.
Qianhai is accelerating its development as a high-level opening-up hub by "bridging Hong Kong, empowering the mainland and connecting the world."
Over the past year, the area has made tangible progress: it has deepened alignment with international rules, the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong International Financial City now hosts 524 financial institutions, the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong International Legal-Services District has attracted six foreign law firms and the Qianhai International Cooperation Center has welcomed six organizations, including the China-Britain Business Council and the Marine Stewardship Council, creating a cooperation network of more than 100 partners. Qianhai also hosted 134 foreign delegations and organized more than 40 major events, including the ASEAN-China GBA Economic Cooperation (Qianhai) Forum.
The meetup highlighted the Shenzhen Go Global Business e-Station. Launched in July 2024, the platform has brought together more than 200 quality service providers and supported over 1,000 companies expanding overseas. It has helped facilitate 174 outbound investment projects totaling US$1.01 billion. A senior platform official said the platform seeks to team up with international investment promotion agencies to help more firms expand abroad in an orderly, effective and safe way.
Attendees also participated in the 12th Annual Conference of Shenzhen-Hong Kong (Qianhai) Talent Cooperation. The event showcased talent services and products and launched initiatives such as a one-stop capital access channel, a talent connect and an HR alliance. Keynote speeches addressed integrating education, technology and talent, and a roundtable discussion focused on aligning finance, industry, talent and innovation — giving international guests a comprehensive view of Qianhai’s commitment to attracting and nurturing talent.
Participants praised Qianhai’s international business environment. Robert Herzner, chief representative of Germany Trade & Invest’s Hong Kong office, called Qianhai a key bridge connecting German companies with the Shenzhen market and said he hopes to build a stronger service network for German firms there. Greg Smith, chairman of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce (South China), said Qianhai’s inclusive atmosphere and forward-looking institutional openness make it an ideal springboard for Australian companies entering the Greater Bay Area, and he looks forward to organizing more Australian delegations to Shenzhen.
The Qianhai International Cooperation Center — a central platform for implementing the Central Government’s plan to deepen reform and opening-up in Qianhai — aims to become a hub for Hong Kong, Macao and international organizations. Focusing on the economy, technology, standards and talent, the center provides market-entry services and resource matching.
Since going online in 2024, it has formally attracted institutions such as the Korea Creative Content Agency and established cooperation with more than 100 Hong Kong, Macao and international partners across trade, technology, finance, education and culture.
Under its “HiQianhai” brand, the center has hosted 20 international exchange events, attracting more than 700 foreign participants from over 30 countries. These activities, ranging from cultural experiences, sports networking, startup exchanges, branding workshops, storytelling sessions and book salons, have given foreign residents a deeper understanding of Qianhai. This year, HiQianhai will work closely with international investment promotion agencies, chambers and other members of Qianhai’s partner network to leverage APEC 2026 as a platform for deeper cultural and economic exchange.
The event was sponsored by the Qianhai International Cooperation Center and organized by EyeShenzhen.