The 2019 APEC China CEO Forum opens in Hangzhou, in Zhejiang province, on July 21. [Photo/IC]

Top business leaders from APEC countries began a major two-day meeting in Hangzhou, in Zhejiang province, on July 21.

The business leaders, attending the APEC China CEO Forum 2019, had the new economy and technological innovation at the top of their agenda.

The summit aimed to strengthen dialogue and communications for business leaders and policy-makers in the economic, financial, science and technology sectors and create a platform for international exchanges.

Organizers said this year's summit was engaging delegates and executives from Fortune 500 companies, leading business entities and innovative startups, along with representatives and government officials from the APEC economies.

Topics up for discussion included the digital economy, the evolution of the manufacturing industry, industrial cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, 5G technology and fintech.