On April 15, Shanghai's Putuo district welcomed a group of senior executives from eight foreign-funded companies headquartered in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and other countries, for an in-depth visit to explore the district's business environment and urban development.

The delegation took a scenic walk along the Suzhou Creek, visiting landmark sites including the modern yacht dock and Suzhou Creek Park.

They also explored the district's rich historical legacy, represented by iconic national brands, gaining a deeper appreciation of Putuo's blend of tradition and innovation.

During the visit, the participants engaged in active dialogue, building connections and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

Asier Bideguren Ircio, general manager of GH (Shanghai) Lifting Equipment Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the Spain-based GH Cranes & Components, remarked on the continuous improvement of both Shanghai's urban environment and business climate.

Having been in China for 13 years and worked in Shanghai for five years, Bideguren praised the increasingly smooth communication channels between enterprises and government departments in Putuo, and highlighted the district's openness and proactive support for businesses.

Craig Miller, partner and head of Heatherwick Studio China, also emphasized Putuo's distinctive appeal.

Describing the district as a vibrant blend of historical neighborhoods and modern architectural developments, he noted its convenient transportation network and strong innovation atmosphere — making it an ideal location for international business ventures.

During the exchange session, the executives shared their insights into Putuo's business environment, service policies and current business development.

The event marked the first "Government Open Day" activity organized by the Putuo district commission of commerce for foreign-funded ventures in 2025.

Moving forwards, the commission plans to hold a series of similar events to further strengthen connections between the government and foreign businesses, enabling entrepreneurs to gain deeper familiarity with Putuo's unique advantages.

A spokesperson for the commission stated that Putuo would continue to promote its industrial transformation and upgrading, actively attracting high-quality foreign investment. Through capital aggregation, technological innovation, talent recruitment, and industrial clustering, the district aims to enhance its overall development capacity.

Foreign-invested enterprises were encouraged to fully leverage their innovative strengths and integrate into the development of the Shanghai-Nanjing Industrial Innovation Belt.

By working in close partnership with Putuo and introducing upstream and downstream partners, these enterprises are expected to contribute to the building of a dynamic and globally competitive hub in the central urban area of Shanghai.

Source: Puotuo district government