The 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting will take place in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on Nov 18-19, alongside a series of supporting events, including the APEC CEO Summit and the joint ministerial meeting of foreign and trade ministers. Shenzhen is the third Chinese city to host the gathering since APEC was founded in 1989. Shanghai hosted the gathering in 2001, and Beijing in 2014.

At the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress, held in Beijing last month, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China is committed to translating the vision of an Asia-Pacific community into concrete action, turning the blueprint into reality as it hosts the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November.

Amid global transformation and turbulence, coupled with rising unilateralism and protectionism, the international economic and trade order faces severe challenges. The theme for APEC 2026 is “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together”. To advance this vision, the APEC “China Year” has identified openness, innovation, and cooperation as its three priorities.

As a leader in regional cooperation, a champion of multilateralism, and a key driver of the global economy, China’s role as host of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting carries significance that extends well beyond the organization itself and the Asia-Pacific region.

In terms of innovation, when Guangzhou hosted the first APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting earlier this year, participants were transported between hotels and conference venues in sleek autonomous buses, showcasing the city’s smart-mobility advancements.

Given Hong Kong’s proximity to Shenzhen, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government should carefully consider how to leverage this opportunity to support the central government in showcasing China’s innovation and enhancing cooperation for the Asia-Pacific community.

On the regional-cooperation front, Hong Kong has a golden opportunity to host the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) 2026 in October, shortly before the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Hong Kong’s inaugural hosting of the FMM reflects the country’s recognition of Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center. The government must make every effort to organize a first-class, well-executed, and smoothly run FMM, delivering tangible results that enhance regional cooperation while showcasing to the international community the unique appeal and boundless opportunities of Hong Kong as an international financial center. The government should continue to organize major financial events throughout the year, keeping Hong Kong’s financial sector firmly in the global spotlight.

Another key area Hong Kong should present to the world at the APEC meeting is the development of the Northern Metropolis — positioning it as a new economic engine and an innovative model for integrating Hong Kong with Shenzhen’s industrial upgrading. Special legislation has been proposed to enable the government to streamline statutory processes for land development and approvals, as well as to establish flexible mechanisms for cross-border flows of capital and data, thereby accelerating progress. APEC offers a golden opportunity to gauge foreign interest in this flagship project, which is central to Hong Kong’s first five-year development plan. Notably, 30 companies in life sciences, artificial intelligence, and other fields have signed leases for the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone.

Hong Kong can also contribute to APEC cooperation by promoting its international mediation role in another area. Guided tours and seminars can be organized for APEC members during this period.

The Hong Kong Police Force and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) enjoy international recognition as first-class law enforcement agencies in their respective areas. Both the Police Academy and the ICAC International Academy can offer training courses and workshops for APEC member economies throughout the year to further strengthen regional cooperation.

During this “China APEC Year”, the Hong Kong Tourism Board should capitalize on international interest in the region and the Chinese mainland’s visa-free policy for many countries by offering tailored joint tours of Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macao. These tours could highlight the region’s East-meets-West uniqueness, combining notable architectural heritage sites with themed tours of venues such as the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks. Enriched with stories from the cities’ past and present, such experiences would deepen visitor engagement and demonstrate the successful model of “one country, two systems” framework. For those able to travel longer, a tour of the whole Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area could also be organized to offer a deeper understanding of this rapidly developing region.

Given Hong Kong’s proximity to Shenzhen, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government should carefully consider how to leverage this opportunity to support the central government in showcasing China’s innovation and enhancing cooperation for the Asia-Pacific community

For passengers transiting through Hong Kong’s international airport to the APEC meetings in Shenzhen, the Hong Kong Tourism Board could design a short stopover package with simplified transfer arrangements, allowing for brief yet meaningful visits.

In the months of October and November, Hong Kong should fully demonstrate its status as the “events capital of Asia” and the “world’s meeting venue”, hosting major events and festivities such as Halloween celebrations, the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, and key sporting events — perhaps even an APEC Rugby Sevens tournament could be considered.

The public should also play a part in extending a warm welcome to participants and the foreign media. A courtesy campaign could be launched to engage the local community, particularly taxi drivers and staff in restaurants, bars, and shops that will be hosting visitors. Special immigration channels should be set up at all entry points for APEC participants. This will also be a prime opportunity to counter negative portrayals of Hong Kong in the foreign media.

The author is an honorary fellow of HKU Space and HK Metropolitan University, and an adviser with Our Hong Kong Foundation.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.