An exchange meeting focused on leveraging the strengths and resources of overseas Chinese was held on May 22 at the Shenzhen Longhua International Cooperation Center (LICC), demonstrating Longhua’s commitment to better serving local companies in expanding their presence in overseas markets.

The event was attended by approximately 100 participants, including government officials, representatives from overseas Chinese groups, Shenzhen-based enterprises, industry associations, and chambers of commerce.

Attendees first toured the One-stop International Company Service Platform of Longhua District and visited an exhibition center showcasing products that successfully entered overseas markets by leveraging the strengths of overseas Chinese — all located within the LICC.

A scene at yesterday's exchange meeting. Photos courtesy of LICC

Zhan Huijun, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Longhua District Committee and director of the United Front Work Department of Longhua District, remarked: "Longhua is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese in the Lingnan region, with compatriots spread across more than 50 countries and regions worldwide. These overseas Chinese are witnesses to Longhua’s high-quality development. Currently, Longhua is striving to become the preferred destination for overseas Chinese seeking entrepreneurial opportunities. "

Pan Lingzi, vice director of the Commerce Bureau of Longhua District, introduced Longhua’s “1 plus 22” policy framework, which consists of one action plan, 11 inclusive policies, and 11 industry cluster-focused policies designed to support enterprises.

Pan also highlighted Longhua’s comprehensive service package for enterprises expanding internationally, which covers four key areas: government services, supply chain services, financial services, and compliance services.

During the exchange session, details of an action plan aimed at serving overseas Chinese and assisting Shenzhen-based companies in going global were unveiled. The plan includes establishing and expanding overseas Chinese community service networks, organizing economic and trade cooperation exchanges domestically and internationally, hosting industry trade fairs and entrepreneurship competitions geared toward overseas Chinese, supporting the establishment of overseas platforms for companies' products, strengthening foreign-related legal services, and coordinating solutions to challenges faced by enterprises abroad.

Around 100 Shenzhen-based companies have their products displayed at LICC. 

Additionally, the plan for the Overseas Smart Technology Exhibition at the 2025 Overseas China Trade Fair (OCTF) was announced. From June to December this year, the exhibition will be held in eight countries and regions, including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia. Its goals are to address local procurement needs, connect with reliable overseas Chinese agents, and accurately match buyers with sellers.

Official statistics reveal that Shenzhen is home to more than 500,000 overseas Chinese living abroad, who serve as “super connectors” linking Shenzhen to the global market. In recent years, Longhua has actively promoted major foreign trade enterprises to showcase their flagship products at the LICC, increasing their visibility and facilitating connections with Shenzhen’s overseas economic and trade representative offices as well as overseas industry associations.