The APEC Card: A Gateway to Regional Business
When he left Bangkok, he used his APEC Business Travel Card to clear immigration through a dedicated lane, completing the formalities in less than ten minutes.
The APEC Business Travel Card, valid for five years, has become a critical tool for entrepreneurs operating in APEC economies. Its streamlined process contrasts sharply with the challenges faced by earlier generations of overseas Chinese, who relied on kinship networks to cross borders.
From Hometown Ties to Global Networks
In the 1980s, Li Guixiong, vice president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, left Shantou for Thailand, building a jewellery business through family ties.
Low Kian Chuan, chairman of the Malaysia‑China Business Council, highlighted the card’s impact: “For us, APEC’s most direct benefit is this travel card,” he said. His journey from a single planer to building a timber export network reflects a larger pattern of overseas Chinese entrepreneurs expanding beyond local networks. APEC’s platform has allowed them to engage in multilateral cooperation, shifting from “hometown ties” to regional integration.
2026 APEC “China Year”: A New Era of Collaboration
The 2026 APEC “China Year” in Shenzhen has drawn attention. The Malaysia‑China Business Council plans to organise a delegation of entrepreneurs to attend meetings in Shenzhen around this year’s APEC events, with a focus on semiconductors, the digital economy, green energy and cross‑border e‑commerce. Li Guixiong hopes to see more young faces at the event, emphasizing the need for “broadening cooperation.”
Did You Know?
The APEC card allows multiple entries over five years, reducing border delays. For entrepreneurs like Li Guixiong, the card enables travel abroad for business at short notice, a stark contrast to the weeks it could take to obtain a visa in earlier years.
Pro Tips for Entrepreneurs
Stay informed about APEC’s focus areas, such as green energy and digital trade, to align with regional priorities.
FAQ
How long does the APEC card last?
The card is valid for five years, allowing multiple entries into APEC economies.
What industries benefit most from the APEC card?
Malaysia’s timber export network, built by Low Kian Chuan, involves cross-border movement.
When is the next major APEC event?
The 2026 APEC “China Year” is drawing attention, with a focus on semiconductors, the digital economy, green energy, and cross-border e-commerce.