Shenzhen: the story of a new development philosophy

Back here in Kolkata, I often hear friends marvel at the skyline of Shenzhen, wondering if such gleaming towers could truly rise from what was once marshland and sleepy fishing hamlets. Even among those who have not set foot in China, the names of its corporate giants — Huawei, BYD, Tencent — are deeply familiar, echoing through our regional dialogues on technology and commerce. There is a sense of healthy admiration, not just for the wealth generated but also for the seamless integration of innovation into the rhythms of daily life. While lacking the historical depth like West Bengal, Shenzhen shares a similar ambition to transform its economic landscape and improve the lives of its people.

Four decades ago, however, that future was far from certain. Mirroring countless settlements across the Global South, Shenzhen grappled with typhoon-battered coasts, inadequate infrastructure, scarce capital, and limited prospects.