July 2 – Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining met with Hubertus von Baumbach, chairman of the Board of Managing Directors of German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, and Eric Tse, CEO of China's pharmaceutical conglomerate Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited, or Sino Biopharm.

Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining (right) meets with Hubertus von Baumbach, chairman of the Board of Managing Directors of German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, on July 2. [Photo by Chen Zhengbao]

Chen praised Boehringer Ingelheim and Sino Biopharm as leading global healthcare companies and welcomed them to expand their innovative R&D, clinical research, and manufacturing operations in Shanghai. He emphasized that the city will continue to create a top-notch business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and international, to support the enterprises in achieving greater development in Shanghai.

Baumbach expressed his determination and confidence in deepening Boehringer Ingelheim's presence in China and Shanghai. He stated that the company will leverage its strategic partnership with Sino Biopharm and collaborate more closely with its partners to promote the simultaneous global R&D, registration, and listing of more innovative medicines. Boehringer Ingelheim will increase its efforts in basic research, clinical cooperation, manufacturing, and business expansion in China.

July 2 – Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng met with Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb to sign a memorandum of cooperation (2024-28).

Gong Zheng (right) and Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb sign a memorandum of cooperation on July 2. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaifabu]

Gong highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two cities, which began in 1979, and praised their fruitful collaboration in fields such as trade, ports, education, and urban development. He expressed optimism that the new memorandum will further enhance cooperation in these fields. Additionally, Gong emphasized the importance of deeper exchanges between universities, research institutions, and enterprises in both cities, aiming to advance the shipping sector and foster mutual learning in energy transition and urban governance.

Aboutaleb lauded Shanghai as a livable city with a dynamic economy, also noting that half of Rotterdam's trade is with China. He expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Shanghai to tackle future challenges like energy transition and enhance the well-being of citizens in both cities.

July 5 – Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng met with Sassine Ghazi, president and CEO of Synopsys, an influential company in chip design.

Gong Zheng (right) shakes hands with Sassine Ghazi, president and CEO of Synopsys, on July 5. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaifabu]

Gong outlined Shanghai's emphasis on developing integrated circuits, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence as part of its modern industrial system. He welcomed the deepening of partnerships with leading domestic and international enterprises to achieve mutual benefits. Gong reaffirmed Shanghai's commitment to creating a top-tier business environment by enhancing policy support and talent development to facilitate the growth of various enterprises in the city.

Ghazi detailed Synopsys' progress in Shanghai and reiterated the company's commitment to deepening cooperation, fostering continuous innovation, and nurturing young talent.

July 5 – Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng met with Gerd Muller, director-general of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Gong Zheng (right) shakes hands with Director-General of UNIDO Gerd Muller on July 5. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaifabu]

Gong acknowledged the close cooperation between UNIDO and Shanghai, particularly highlighting the establishment of the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Shanghai in 2001. He expressed hope that UNIDO will leverage its international influence to enhance the office's functions, thus promoting bilateral investment and technology exchange. Gong also looks forward to seeing more cooperation projects taking root in Shanghai and accelerating the development of the Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing (AIM-Global).

Müller emphasized UNIDO's role as an international platform for facilitating technology and investment exchanges. He expressed his delight at the establishment of AIM-Global in Shanghai and hopes that the center will apply the city's best practices to assist developing countries, while also promoting the development of green industries and the green economy.

Source: "shanghaifabu" WeChat account