In a bold move to broaden its international footprint, Luohu District from Shenzhen, China, has embarked on a significant economic mission in Europe. Following a successful tour of the Asia-Pacific region, the district has now set its sights on Spain and Portugal, aiming to unlock new trade and investment opportunities.
The centerpiece of this initiative was the China (Shenzhen•Luohu) – Portugal (Lisbon) Economic and Trade Cooperation and Exchange Conference, held in Lisbon on September 12, 2024. The event attracted over 30 leading Portuguese companies and institutions, including the Oveiras Valley Investment Agency (OVIA) and Timing Group, signaling strong interest in partnerships with Luohu.
The conference highlighted Luohu’s vibrant sectors, such as healthcare, finance, media, business services, and cultural tourism. With its robust economy, Luohu is keen to build collaborative ventures that leverage Portugal’s growing business landscape.
Luohu, situated in Shenzhen—a city renowned for its rapid growth and innovation—boasts a diverse economy with a strong emphasis on finance, commerce, and business services. The district excels in cultural creativity, gold, and jewelry, with the service industry contributing a substantial 94% to its GDP. It hosts over 100 licensed financial institutions, including global firms like PwC, EY, and Deloitte.
The district is also making significant strides in healthcare, with a focus on medical aesthetics, cutting-edge devices, life sciences, and health management. Recent developments include the Shenzhen-Europe Innovation Medicine and Health Research Center, established in 2023 with international collaboration and a pool of global talent.
In addition to healthcare, Luohu is nurturing the medical cosmetology sector with new policies to support growth and quality control. The district has issued 10 measures to establish a hub for medical aesthetics consumption, regulate product trade, and enhance service standards.
During their European tour, the Luohu delegation met with influential industry leaders, including the Global Media Group, Joinko Group, and EFG International, reinforcing their commitment to global collaboration. The district government has pledged to enhance its services and business environment to attract both domestic and international investors, aiming to foster a thriving economic partnership with Europe.