The 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for November 18-19 in Shenzhen, will significantly enhance economic ties between China and Southeast Asia, according to Simon Yuan, head of China investment banking at Citi.
This year’s APEC meeting will spotlight the region’s transition towards integrated digital economies, clean energy solutions, and collaborative industrial efforts across borders, as indicated by Yuan.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Yuan highlighted a fundamental change in the nature of trade relationships, going beyond mere goods exchange to emphasize the co-creation of integrated manufacturing hubs focused on sectors such as electric vehicles, green energy, and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
“China and Southeast Asia have a very, very strong trade relationship already. However, it has evolved from a purely trade-oriented relationship to a more integrated partnership in investment, manufacturing, and supply chains,” Yuan remarked. He noted that China has been a major investor in Southeast Asia, with investment flowing back in both directions as regional ties strengthen. The focus remains on innovative industries like AI-related manufacturing and the green economy.
Yuan pointed out that foreign direct investment (FDI) into Southeast Asia reached $246 billion in 2025, underscoring the region’s status as a premier hub for cross-border growth. He characterized the upcoming APEC summit as a pivotal moment for bolstering economic integration between China and Southeast Asia, stating, “Citi is very well positioned to facilitate this trading investment flow, given our strong presence in both regions.”
The meeting in Shenzhen is expected to set the stage for further developments in economic cooperation and investment opportunities in the Asia-Pacific area.
