Shenzhen, China’s prominent technology hub, has recently attracted a significant influx of global investors and business executives, drawn by the city’s expanding artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics sectors. This surge in interest coincides with several high-profile investor conferences hosted by major international financial institutions including HSBC, UBS, and Nomura.
The events, held this week, showcased the latest developments in AI, robotics, and related emerging technologies, underscoring Shenzhen’s role as a critical node in China’s innovation landscape. The timing also appears strategic, as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting is scheduled for November, bringing regional attention to investment opportunities.
At HSBC’s 13th annual China Conference, which began recently in Shenzhen, David Liao, who serves as co-chief executive for Asia and the Middle East at HSBC, highlighted robotics, AI, and innovative medicines as leading trends in China’s export growth. He emphasized the potential of China’s AI infrastructure supply chain to generate new opportunities for global businesses and investors. The two-day conference attracted more than 1,500 attendees, including institutional and individual investors and senior business leaders.
Similarly, UBS held its 23rd China A-Share Conference with participation from over 1,000 guests spanning Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. The event featured a record 125 Chinese companies. Thomas Fang, head of China global markets at UBS, remarked on the rising international interest in China’s technology firms and broader market innovations. He identified technology, particularly AI, as a central theme for investment in the A-share market this year. Fang noted that China’s AI supply chain is influencing global competition by delivering cost efficiencies through focused research and development, advancements in model architecture, and open-source collaboration. UBS also signaled its intention to expand its AI-related strategies and investments in China.
Nomura’s China Investor Forum, held concurrently in Shenzhen, drew around 500 delegates, including roughly 400 institutional investors, and featured participation from more than 50 companies. The forum further reinforced the robust engagement of international investors with China’s tech sector.
Shenzhen’s appeal rests on its status as a leading innovation center, home to major companies such as Huawei Technologies, the US-sanctioned telecom giant, drone manufacturer DJI, internet titan Tencent Holdings, and electric vehicle leader BYD. Emerging tech firms like UBTech Robotics have also been gaining prominence among investors.
The combined activities and growing attendance at these conferences highlight Shenzhen’s expanding influence in AI and robotics, positioning China as a key player in the global technology supply chain and resource for emerging technological exports.