Xi Jinping to Chair 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen, Deliver Keynote at CEO Summit
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese President Xi Jinping will chair the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and deliver remarks, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday. The Xi Jinping APEC role places China at the center of regional economic diplomacy as leaders of the Asia-Pacific gather in Shenzhen next week.
The meeting will be held in Shenzhen from November 18 to 19 under the theme “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.”
Xi Jinping APEC Engagements in Shenzhen
The APEC CEO Summit will be held in Shenzhen from November 17 to 18 under the theme “To Prosper and Win the Future Together.” President Xi will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech, which is expected to outline China’s perspective on regional growth, trade and cooperation before an audience of business leaders and policymakers from across the region.
In addition to chairing the leaders’ meeting, Xi will host a welcome banquet for participating leaders and representatives, and hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders on the sidelines of the gathering.
APEC 2026 Theme: Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together
China is hosting APEC in 2026, with the leaders’ meeting and related events bringing together the forum’s member economies to discuss regional cooperation and shared development priorities. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum comprises 21 member economies and serves as a key platform for dialogue on trade, investment, connectivity and inclusive economic growth.
This year’s gathering marks the third time China has hosted APEC, following Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014. The choice of Shenzhen, one of China’s first special economic zones and a leading hub for technology and innovation, highlights the host country’s emphasis on economic openness and development.
Leaders Gather Ahead of 2027 Handover
The Shenzhen meetings will also include the handover of APEC host responsibilities for 2027 to Vietnam, setting the stage for the forum’s next cycle of cooperation. Leaders from across the region, including Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam, are expected to attend the week’s events.
With the leaders’ meeting, the CEO Summit and a series of bilateral meetings scheduled, the Shenzhen gathering is expected to serve as an important venue for high-level dialogue on the future of economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.
