Wang Jingli

wangjingli0715@163.com

LONGHUA District released a three-year work plan for 2025-2027 to accelerate its development as a benchmark modern international district during a launch ceremony yesterday at the Longhua International Cooperation Center (LICC).

The work plan outlines 10 key actions across 10 areas — market, industry, enterprise, industrial park, platform, talent, urban district, service, culture and tourism, and promotion. It also includes 100 specific tasks and measures to drive internationalization.

One flagship project from each sector was announced as part of this year’s 10 major initiatives.

A highlight is International Sustainable Innovation Week, which will be organized by the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP), the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges, and Longhua District. This weeklong event will connect international organizations, enterprises, and institutions with global sustainable innovation resources and support Shenzhen’s goal of leading innovation-driven sustainable development.

During an interview with Shenzhen Daily, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for China, James George, shared that with the growing number of megacities around the world, new ideas, approaches, and solutions are critical to address common challenges of the global community. Longhua and Shenzhen’s focus on megacity innovation makes them ideal partners, he said.

“Longhua wants to learn from the global community and contribute its own experiments, innovations, and new ideas. That is why I think it’s very important that we bring new partners to the table together,” George added.

Other initiatives of this year include the Youth Global Competence Empowerment Program, the Immerse Tour of “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience,” the Innovative Base of International Communication, specialized product promotion and entrepreneurship centers, and enhanced services for foreigners, international organizations, and enterprises.

Khozheiri Nada, a Russian computer science master’s student at the Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen (HITSZ), is interested in initiatives such as the Youth Global Competence Empowerment Program and the International Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Co-working Space.

“My future plan is to start up my own business, so I am very interested in projects related to entrepreneurship. I think the work plan unveiled today will be very helpful for international students looking to advance their plans,” said Nada.

Ahmad Farooq, also a student at the HITSZ, believes it is a good initiative for international students because it offers numerous business opportunities and improves quality-of-life options.

At the venue, attendees were also drawn to a variety of innovative technological products that are part of an exhibition inside the LICC. The exhibition serves as a platform to promote local products while helping firms enhance global visibility and expand into foreign markets.

On the same day, the Capacity Building Training on ESG and MSME’s Participation in Overseas Cooperation was held at the LICC. ESG stands for environmental, social, and governance, while MSME refers to micro, small, and medium enterprises.

As part of the district’s efforts to support enterprises’ international development, this training series plans to help over 500 enterprises expand their international market presence each year.

Longhua District will also advance international-standard services in education, health care, public spaces, and other key areas through tangible, accessible initiatives. These efforts will benefit both residents and businesses while continuously optimizing the district’s international environment, which is livable, business-friendly, and welcoming of tourists.