Diplomats Experience Open Innovation in Qianhai, Shenzhen

Diplomats from nearly 40 countries visited the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, on January 18, 2023, exploring the deep integration in areas such as port transportation and scientific innovation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. During the visit, they experienced firsthand how Qianhai promotes the integration of the two cities, contributing to the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area). 

This visit was part of the “Diplomats Explore China: A Tour of Guangdong” event, guided by China International Communications Group (CICG) and co-hosted by the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, Department of International Exchanges and Cooperation under China Center for International Economic Exchanges, CICG Center for Europe and Asia (China Pictorial Publications), and Xinhua Institute.

The Greater Bay Area is one of the most open and economically dynamic regions in China. Shenzhen, functioning as the core engine of the area, collaborates with Hong Kong, Macao and other regions to create a vibrant and internationally competitive bay area and world-class city cluster.

Qianhai, positioned as the “special zone within the special zone,” serves as a pioneer in the realm of reform and opening up. Acting as a vital link between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, it further connects the Greater Bay Area with the world. On December 21, 2023, an overall development plan for Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone was released, aiming to elevate Qianhai’s role in steering the development of the Greater Bay Area, deepening cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and opening a new chapter in the development and opening up of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone. Today, Qianhai is leading the way in the development of the Greater Bay Area with a steady momentum, resonating globally with its influence.

In the afternoon, diplomats watched a video about Qianhai’s development plan and got a close-up view of an architectural model of Qianhai’s new urban center at the Qianhai Exhibition Hall. The model, covering an area of about 300 square meters, utilized 3D technology to provide a 360-degree display of the urban landscape, showcasing the unique charm of Qianhai.

Hussam Al Husseini, Jordanian Ambassador to China, expressed that the visit that day was very exciting. He mentioned that he had gained more insights into Shenzhen and the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone. He also expressed anticipation for more cooperation opportunities in the future.

“Thank you very much for organizing such an event. We found a lot of interesting things during the visit. I am deeply impressed by the achievements of Shenzhen and Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone,” said Dan-Horia Maxim, Romanian Ambassador to China.

The development of the Qianhai International Talent Hub stands as a pivotal initiative in realizing the objectives outlined in the Plan for Comprehensively Deepening the Reform and Opening-up of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone. The plan distinctly focuses on the establishment of a high-end hub for innovative talent and the creation of a robust support system for foreign talent. The strategic positioning of this project revolves around the commitment to “serving the general landscape through regional excellence.” The endeavor is dedicated to building a tangible landmark and emotional haven for attracting top-tier scientific and technological innovators from around the world. The ultimate vision is for the Qianhai International Talent Hub to emerge as the primary and preferred destination for global talent in science and technology innovation seeking employment, entrepreneurial opportunities, and an enhanced quality of life within the Greater Bay Area.

Mongolian Ambassador to China, Tuvshin Badral, conveyed his impressions after touring the “Skyline of Shenzhen.” He remarked that standing atop a skyscraper felt like an eagle surveying the world. Having visited Shenzhen in 1999 and returning to the region today, he expressed a keen awareness of the substantial changes that have unfolded over the past 25 years. Badral noted with delight the city’s evolution into a pivotal innovation hub, taking great pleasure in witnessing its remarkable development. He expressed pride in the accomplishments of the Chinese people and expressed the hope that in the future, more individuals would come to the region to foster increased collaboration in the realms of economics and trade.

In early 2024, diplomats from nations visited Shenzhen, homing in on Qianhai to feel the dynamism of development resonating across the Greater Bay Area. Reflecting on the event, several ambassadors conveyed their sense of the openness and groundbreaking innovation characteristic of Chinese cities, with Shenzhen leading the way. They observed the dynamic energy and courage driving China’s ongoing dedication to reform and opening up, epitomized by the advancements in Shenzhen.