Global investors descend on China’s Shenzhen to ride wave of AI and robotics opportunities

Major banks such as HSBC and UBS host thousands of executives in southern tech hub this week to connect foreign capital with domestic firms

Shenzhen, the southern Chinese city home to US-sanctioned telecoms giant Huawei Technologies and drone maker DJI, has seen an influx of investors and business leaders amid rising global interest in Chinese artificial intelligence and robotics.

On Tuesday, the tech hub hosted investor conferences led by three international financial institutions – HSBC, UBS and Nomura – with AI, robotics and other emerging technologies featuring prominently on their agendas.

More investors could arrive to chase opportunities ahead of November’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ Meeting – one of the region’s highest-profile gatherings of political and business leaders.

“Robotics, AI and innovative medicines have emerged as new trends in China’s exports,” David Liao, HSBC’s co-chief executive for Asia and the Middle East, said at the bank’s 13th annual China Conference, according to a press release. “In particular, China’s AI infrastructure supply chain is set to create fresh growth opportunities for global businesses and investors.”

HSBC’s two-day gathering, which began on Tuesday, attracted more than 1,500 global business leaders, executives and institutional and individual investors, according to the bank.

“Asian markets, led by China, will continue to serve as a key hub for global AI exports,” Liao added.