On Nov. 28, the “Make It Shenzhen” initiative for APEC China Year welcomed more than 40 international guests from 21 countries, and the final showcase of the 2025 "Make it Shenzhen" Public Service Personnel Comprehensive Competence Competition on Investment and Talent Attraction Finalsserved as a prelude to the 2026 APEC meeting.

The International Exhibition Area.

Launched Nov. 3, the “Make It Shenzhen” global city promotion series is a collaborative effort by the Organization Department of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee,Publicity Department of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, the Shenzhen Foreign Affairs Office, theShenzhen Commerce Bureau, the Shenzhen Investment Promotion Bureau, the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Sports and Tourism Administration, and Shenzhen Press Group, together with districts and departments across the city. The initiative invited foreign residents, multinational executives, and international students to serve as "City Advocates,"producing more than 20 multilingual short videos to promote Shenzhen internationally.

A highlight of the program was the display session of the competition. Held on the outdoor plaza of Building 5 in Qianhai, the International Exhibition Area showcased six themes—“Strong Innovation Momentum,” “Superior Legal Environment,” “Eco-Friendly Living,” “Smart City Governance,” “Cultural Diversity,” and “International Lifestyle”—demonstrating Shenzhen’s achievements in technological innovation, green ecology, cultural diversity, and intelligent governance.

The "Smooth Port Travel, Smart GBA Experience". 

The "Nanshan Magic Maker".

The "Elegance in Tradition · Voice of the Future Convergence of Waters · Radiance of the Dragon--Three Boat Tickets Unlock Shenzhen's Cultural Secrets". 

The "Al IN Al, Al in all".

At the final scenario performance, contestants from 31 Shenzhen government departments formed 10 teams to present scenarios designed to promote Shenzhen to international audiences. Covering topics from convenient services like “Seamless Arrival” to cultural tourism experiences such as “Splendid Nature,” the teams used vivid performances and fluent language skills to bring Shenzhen’s efficient services, favorable business environment, and modern lifestyle to life.

Professor Aldo Tagliabuegives a speech after the competition.

Wang Jiayin of the Shenzhen Longhua International Cooperation Center said in an interview that, as a member of the grassroots foreign affairs department, next year, when Shenzhen hosts the APEC, will be a major opportunity. She hopes to leverage the event to help Shenzhen firms gain greater opportunities for engagement and cooperation across the Asia‑Pacific and in global markets.

Professor Georg Wilhelm Wimmer, a National-Level Leading Talent at Shenzhen Technology University, highly praised Qianhai for its entrepreneurial spaces like the Qianhai E-hub, which serves as an inclusive innovation platform that helps attract more startups from home and abroad to establish their roots here.

Creative cultrual products and technological innovations displayed on site.

Creative cultural products and technological innovations presented by various Shenzhen government departments drew attendees who experienced them firsthand. These exhibits combined cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology, allowing international guests to feel the city’s distinctive appeal. 

The event also featured video presentations of recent key projects, followed by signing ceremonies for sister-district agreements between Nanshan, Longhua and other partner districts around the world.

On the morning of Nov. 28, the international delegation went to the Qianhai Exhibition Hall, Shenzhen Laihua Technology and Culture Co. and the Shenzhen International Arbitration Court to learn about the city’s advances in technology, law, and urban planning.