China’s experience in infrastructure, connectivity, and advanced manufacturing offers practical lessons for economic transformation across the Asia-Pacific, according to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council Secretariat.
China has made positive contributions to regional infrastructure development in scale, technological capability, and financing, Antonio Basilio, director of the ABAC Secretariat, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on November 15.
Projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia and Kuantan Port in Malaysia have reduced travel time and lowered transportation costs with Chinese participation in construction and financing. These ventures help farmers bring products to market, improve residents’ access to schools and hospitals, and integrate local businesses into global supply chains.
China’s e-commerce platforms, digital payments, and smart logistics assist businesses in reaching customers, cutting costs, and raising productivity. In green transformation, renewable energy and electric vehicle experiences demonstrate how innovation fosters both economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability.
“For some developing economies, these Chinese technologies offer opportunities to overcome traditional disadvantages associated with distance, infrastructure limitations and smaller domestic markets,” Basilio told Xinhua.
Shenzhen serves as an ideal window for Asia-Pacific economies to observe how China’s development model benefits domestic and regional growth ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for November 18 and 19.
“When I visited Shenzhen over four decades ago, I saw fishing villages and red earth. Now it has become home to globally competitive companies in advanced industries such as telecommunications and EVs. This is a remarkable development story,” Basilio said.
Many developing economies study Shenzhen’s model for establishing special economic zones, its openness to foreign investment and talent, and its active global economic integration. Long-term vision remains central to China’s development, supported by sustained investments in infrastructure, education, technology, and human capital.
| Project / Location | Impact Cited | Key Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway | Reduced travel time and lower transport costs | Transportation Infrastructure |
| Kuantan Port | Improved supply chain and market access | Logistics and Trade |
| Shenzhen | Model for special economic zones and advanced industries | Urban and Industrial Development |
Regional economies face uncertainties regarding market access, export restrictions, technology regulations, and investment conditions that can delay decisions and disrupt supply chains for smaller enterprises. China prioritizes openness, innovation, and cooperation within APEC to address these challenges.
“Our call aligns with China’s initiatives for high-standard opening-up, the development of new productive forces, and inclusive growth for all,” Basilio said.
