Shanghai has launched a special action to enhance the capacity of the professional services sector, which encompasses a range of specialized and knowledge-intensive services, with a view to aligning with international practices, elevating the industry, and establishing a strong brand for its professional services.

Achievements in 2025

​Industry Support

Legal Services

• By 2028, legal services revenue is expected to exceed 20 billion yuan ($2.98 billion) and maintain steady growth momentum;
• Shanghai supports law firms in establishing overseas presence and forming joint operations with foreign law firms;
• The city also seeks to cultivate and attract branded and specialized law firms.

Advertising

• By 2028, advertising industry revenue is projected to exceed 450 billion yuan;
• Support is provided to digital advertising enterprises that develop vertical applications and AI agents.

Human Resources

• By 2028, human resources service revenue is projected to reach 300 billion yuan;
• Shanghai will develop high-value-added services such as executive search, talent assessment, and employee compensation and benefits management.

Inspection, Testing and Certification Services

• By 2027, industry revenue is targeted to exceed 60 billion yuan, with approximately 10 leading enterprises worth over 10 billion yuan and over 100 enterprises valued at more than 100 million yuan;
• 27 inspection and testing institutions in Shanghai have obtained international laboratory accreditation, while 44 have received authorization from international organizations to conduct conformity assessments.

Consulting and Research Services

• By 2028, consulting and research services revenue is targeted to reach 200 billion yuan;
• Shanghai will expand emerging business areas such as health and environmental consulting.

Highlight Elements

Industry Associations: Shanghai Testing, Inspection and Certification Association (STIC), Shanghai Consulting Association (SCA), Shanghai Bar Association (SBA), etc.

Conventions & Exhibitions: Shanghai International Advertising Festival (SHIAF), the 8th Intelligent Finance Forum, Lujiazui Forum, etc.

Industry Platforms: Shanghai International Arbitration Center, Shanghai International Legal Service Center, Lujiazui International Accounting Center, Shanghai International Talent Service Center, Nexus Data Market Pivot, etc.

Industry Policies

Measures of Shanghai Municipality for Promoting the Innovation-Driven Development of the Service Industries

Measures of Shanghai Municipality for Promoting Coordinated Development Between Service Sector Upgrading and Demand Expansion

Three-Year Action Plan of Shanghai to Concentrate Industries, Spatial Carriers and Factors of Production and Resources in the Leasing and Business Services Industry (2026-28)

• By 2028, Shanghai aims for revenue growth in the leasing and business services sector which outpaces both the city's overall economic growth and the industry average, maintain its leading scale with an expanding market share in the country, and achieve continuous improvements in industry cluster strength, business competitiveness, and industry ecosystem integration.

Exemplary Case

Shanghai has launched the Global Partners Program to tap into new international investment opportunities, under which more than ten global professional service institutions have been selected. Leveraging their specialized expertise and industry networks, these partners collaborate closely with Shanghai on project recommendations and introduction of international resources. They also benefit from preferential policies, including residency support to attract talent, tailored overseas talent programs, and streamlined visa processing.

Industry Map

Regional Layout of Leasing and Professional Services Industry in Shanghai

Putuo district

• Advertising

Changning district

• Travel agencies and related services

Qingpu district

• Conference, exhibition and related services

Xuhui district

• Advertising
• Conference, exhibition and related services
• Organizational management services
• Legal services

Jing'an district

• Human resource services
• Organizational management services
• Consulting and investigation
• Legal services

Huangpu district

• Consulting and investigation
• Advertising
• Human resource services

Pudong New Area

• Organizational management services
• Consulting and investigation
• Legal services
• Human resource services
• Conference, exhibition and related services

Source: 2026 Shanghai Foreign Investment Guide