Government officials, academicians, industry leaders and representatives of small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the APEC economies have convened in Shenzhen to chart new courses for the digital and intelligent transformation of SMEs in the Asia-Pacific. 

The attendees are participating in the APEC SME Business Forum 2026, a key event of the APEC China 2026. The forum officially commenced June 23 in Shenzhen’s Luohu District and is scheduled to conclude June 24. 

Since its launch in 2017, the forum has been hosted in China six times, establishing itself as a premier platform for high-level policy dialogue, multilateral cooperation, SME innovation, and the optimization of regional business environments.

Under the theme "Digital Intelligence Empowers, Open Innovation Drives, Win-Win Cooperation Prevails," this year’s agenda features a primary forum complemented by three specialized parallel sessions. 

Additionally, a dedicated exhibition area has been established to showcase the latest high-quality innovative breakthroughs from regional SMEs.

At the main forum, keynote speakers will provide comprehensive analyses of the evolving global trade and investment landscape. A significant focus is being placed on the transformative impact of large-scale AI models on the international expansion of enterprises. 

Panelists are also exploring strategies to help SMEs maintain steady growth amid a complex and volatile global economy.

To provide a hands-on perspective on Shenzhen’s industrial prowess, the forum includes three curated field trips. Participants will visit the Shenzhen Jewelry Museum and Gold Plaza in Luohu District, the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone in Futian District, and the Robot Avenue and AI/Robot 6S stores in Longgang District.