Shenzhen ready to host APEC 2026, officials say

Shenzhen is officially ready to host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on November 18 and 19, local officials confirmed on Saturday.

Organizers have upgraded key venues, conducted rehearsals, and infused the event with green practices, digital tech and traditional Lingnan culture, Wang Xi, deputy head of the provincial preparatory leading group, said. 

To make it more convenient for visiting delegates, the city in south China's Guangdong Province has set up dedicated fast-track channels at nine sea, land, air and rail ports, over 100,000 standardized foreign-language signs, and more than 7,000 AI translation devices at key locations. Taxis will play bilingual announcements, the metro will accept contactless overseas bank cards, and over 3,000 ATMs will be ready for cash withdrawals with foreign bank cards. 

Additionally, currency exchanges will be possible at some 1,600 bank branches and tax refunds in 3,160 shops, including more than 1,000 offering instant refunds.

During the meeting week, Guangdong is offering 218 visitor sites and 43 travel routes, including two showcase routes in Shenzhen.

Shenzhen Mayor Li Yun said the city has boosted transport, power, communications and hotel services while minimizing disruptions to residents' daily lives.

Meanwhile, the city's economy is booming. Shenzhen has become the first city on the Chinese mainland to top 5 trillion yuan (about $ 744.6 billion) in foreign trade. Customs data shows imports and exports hitting 5.25 trillion yuan in the first 10 months of the year, a 40.9% jump year on year. Exports rose 19.7% to 2.71 trillion yuan, while imports surged 73.7% to 2.54 trillion yuan.

(With input from Xinhua)