On August 26, Shenzhen marks the 45th anniversary of its establishment as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), commemorating its journey from a modest fishing village to a global innovation hub. The city's transformation stands as a testament to China's reform and opening-up policies, now housing tech giants like Huawei, BYD, and DJI.
From Humble Beginnings to Economic Titan
Shenzhen's GDP has skyrocketed from 270 million yuan ($38 million) in 1980 to 3.68 trillion yuan in 2024—a growth of over 10,000 times. Today, it ranks as China's third-largest economy, with strategic emerging industries like AI, 5G, and drones driving 42.3% of its GDP.
Innovation at Scale
The city hosts 25,000 high-tech enterprises and 11,000 specialized SMEs, including 1,025 nationally recognized 'little giant' firms pioneering niche technologies. Its 4.5 million business entities reflect a density of 12 enterprises per square kilometer.
Maritime Momentum
Shenzhen Port retained its position as the world's fourth-busiest container hub in 2024, with throughput rising 11.7% year-on-year. The marine economy contributed 540.9 billion yuan to GDP, cementing the city's role as a global maritime center.
As Shenzhen looks ahead, its blend of technological ambition and economic resilience continues to shape Asia's development narrative.
