To strengthen economic collaboration, Shanghai's Xuhui district held an investment promotion conference in Tokyo on Sept 24.

The event brought together more than 40 representatives from the Chinese and Japanese political and business circles, showcasing opportunities in modern commerce and life sciences and extending an "Invest in Xuhui" invitation.

Several memorandums of understanding were signed between Xuhui and Japanese-funded companies and institutions, including Shionogi China Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Japanese pharmaceutical company Shionogi & Co Ltd, and Shanghai DHC Commerce Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Japan's beauty and health products developer DHC Corporation. The Shanghai Xuhui-Tokyo Investment Promotion Service Center was also inaugurated.

Wei Lan, vice head of Xuhui, highlighted the longstanding economic relationship between Xuhui and Japan, noting that over 600 Japanese-funded enterprises have invested a total of $2.5 billion in the district.

Prominent Japanese companies such as Kampo medicine manufacturer Tsumura & Co and DHC Corporation have established a robust presence in Xuhui, fostering mutual growth and enhancing Sino-Japanese economic and cultural exchanges, said Wei.

As one of Shanghai's central urban districts, Xuhui boasts historical landmarks like the thousand-year-old Longhua Pagoda and the century-old Xujiahui area. It also features the burgeoning Caohejing Hi-Tech Park and the West Bank area of the Huangpu River.

In 2024, the district recorded retail sales of nearly 1 trillion yuan ($140.4 billion), raising GDP to 390 billion yuan and ranking first among Shanghai's central urban districts.

Looking ahead, Xuhui plans to replicate free trade zone practices and implement new customs facilitation measures, inviting Japanese businesses to join in shared development and high-quality cooperation.

During a roundtable discussion, participants exchanged insights into business development in Xuhui and strategies for expanding in the Chinese market.

Companies like Tsumura and DHC shared their experiences, with "Xuhui Service" emerging as a focal point of discussion. Tsumura's Co-Chief Operating Officer and Chief Representative in China, Koin Toda, praised Xuhui's top-tier talent, research resources, and biomedical industry ecosystem, while DHC Shanghai's Sales Director, Huang Huang, highlighted Xuhui's "one-stop" service.

Xuhui's reputation for excellent business services stems from its ongoing efforts to optimize the business environment. The district has enhanced its "integrated investment service" mechanism, pioneered the "enterprise fast-track" initiative, and established a comprehensive service network.

Future initiatives will focus on enhancing AI-driven "AI + Consumption" upgrades and supporting global product launches to further position Xuhui as a destination for international business.

Source: Xuhui district government