Shanghai continues to bolster its status as a prime destination for international investment, attracting multinational corporations to establish regional headquarters in the city.

In the first nine months of this year alone, Shanghai added 44 MNC regional headquarters and 40 foreign-invested research and development centers, bringing the total to 1,060 and 631, respectively.

Ernst & Young Global Limited, a London-headquartered multinational with a regional headquarters in Shanghai, expressed confidence in the city's business climate. EY China Central Managing Partner Patricia Xia emphasized the company's commitment to leveraging professional expertise, digital technology, and innovation to attract more foreign investment and enhance the city's international competitiveness.

Decathlon, a long-term resident of Shanghai for over three decades, exemplifies the city's appeal. The French sporting goods retailer has two of its Shanghai companies recognized as MNC regional headquarters in China.

This year, Shanghai rolled out a policy to enhance the capabilities of MNC regional headquarters with a four-tier development framework — ranging from headquarters providing business services, resources and supplies to regional headquarters in China, headquarters in Asia-Pacific, and global business unit headquarters — with dynamic evaluations and tailored improvement plans for each enterprise.

Yang Mulin, vice president of Decathlon China, noted the company's vision to elevate its headquarters' capabilities under the new policy. "We are integrating our resources in China to better serve global markets and explore new possibilities," Yang said.

As Shanghai boosts the integrated development of culture, tourism, commerce, sports, and exhibitions, Yang noted, "Shanghai's well-established hosting and management ability plays a crucial role in this dynamic synergy. We anticipate the emergence of innovative models in these fields, and are committed to exploring new development pathways in the sports industry."

RAPA Group, a leading German valve specialist and manufacturer, is preparing to establish its regional headquarters in China.

The company, which entered the Chinese market in 2020, has found a strategic fit in the Yangtze River Delta region. Chairman of the Executive Board Roman Pausch said the region's mature industries and Shanghai's unique advantages in R&D align perfectly with the company's growth strategy.

According to Roman Pausch, the company's business volume in China soared from 5.39 million yuan ($757,000) in 2022 to 170 million yuan in 2024, with projections to exceed 430 million yuan this year and potentially reach 800 million yuan next year.

Zhu Min, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government and director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, highlighted the city's role as a global trade hub, international consumption center, and renowned sports city, noting these attributes continue to draw significant international investment.

"We welcome global investors to bring more high-end functions, cutting-edge projects, and high-quality resources to Shanghai," Zhu said. "The city is committed to providing a more stable, transparent, and predictable investment environment."

Source: Jiefang Daily