US firms lead business sign-ups for APEC CEO Summit in Shenzhen

US companies account for the largest number of corporate participants among the 21 APEC economies at the upcoming 2026 APEC CEO Summit in Shenzhen, highlighting strong interest from American businesses in regional economic cooperation and China-US business ties, according to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, or CCPIT, China's top trade promotion body.

The summit is hosted by the CCPIT as part of the 2026 APEC China Year. It is scheduled for November 17 and 18, and it is expected to bring together more than 2,000 representatives from business, government and the media. Companies from all 21 APEC economies have signed up, while businesses from outside the region, including the UK, France, Germany and Switzerland, have also shown strong interest.

Several APEC economy leaders are expected to attend and engage directly with business executives.

Discussions will focus on some of the region's key economic priorities, including the proposed Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, regional connectivity, artificial intelligence, the digital economy and sustainable development. The development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the region's digital and green transition will also feature on the agenda.

Ahead of the summit, the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) will hold its fourth meeting of the year in Shenzhen from November 14 to 16. Building on its policy recommendations and discussions at the CEO Summit, regional business representatives are expected to jointly release the 2026 APEC CEO Summit Shenzhen Initiative, outlining business community priorities for greater openness, connectivity, innovation and regional cooperation.