Shenzhen’s focus should be on infrastructure like national labs and Hong Kong’s on nurturing foundational research for scientific breakthroughs
As Shenzhen approaches 45 years as a special economic zone (SEZ), the importance of opening up in driving China’s progress was stressed by none other than Huawei Technologies founder Ren Zhengfei. “The more open the country becomes, the more it will drive our progress,” he told People’s Daily in a recent interview, speaking also of the importance of basic research, education and talent development.
In 2001, China’s accession to the World Trade Organization furthered its integration into the global economy, solidifying its position as a key player and laying the foundation for its rise as a major power. Today, however, China needs to enter a new phase of opening up – a third wave – and Shenzhen’s latest reform agenda is viewed as a key precursor to this shift.
