The 2025 Shanghai Global Investment Promotion Conference will be held on March 25, gathering hundreds of industrial leaders to further boost the city's economic vitality and global investment potential.

According to a leadership meeting convened on attracting investment, this year's focus will be on cultivating new quality productive forces, developing a modern industrial system and addressing shortcomings in development. More extensive investment and tailored enterprise services are emphasized.

Integrated investment promotion and enterprise services

The city has optimized its mechanisms for attracting investment by establishing a framework combining investment promotion and business services. This change reflects Shanghai’s determination to attract projects, retain businesses and foster their growth, demonstrating its strong commitment to welcoming enterprises and cooperation.

In February 2025, Minhang district took the significant step of combining investment attraction with services. Under the leadership of district officials, a dedicated office was established to coordinate the effort. Special personnel were also appointed to address company needs promptly, creating a full life-cycle service system to help businesses carry out projects.

Jing'an district has also advanced its integration efforts. The district has developed a growth driver centered around the building economy. As of 2024, the Suhewan business circle had attracted 11,720 enterprises, including the regional headquarters of 22 multinational companies.

More businesses taking root in Shanghai

Shanghai's reputation for speed was showcased when Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory began operations in 2019, with production launching the same year that construction commenced. In February 2025, Tesla's Shanghai Megafactory was commenced launched. This new factory was completed in just seven months, setting a new benchmark for both Tesla's operations and Shanghai's speed.

Other districts in Shanghai have also demonstrated impressive speed and efficiency. Jinshan district's successful attraction of major projects such as Toyota's Lexus research and development facility for the development and production of electric vehicles and Syngenta's crop protection innovation center in China underscores the city's continued appeal to multinational companies.

The Legoland Shanghai Resort is another example. The location was selected due to its proximity to the city center and its potential to attract 55 million consumers from nearby regions. The local government’s efficient approval process and professional services provided a strong foundation for the project’s success.

Hosting the headquarters of 1,016 multinational corporations, Shanghai is cementing its position as the top location for regional headquarters in China, earning its status as a premier global investment destination.

One key factor in Shanghai's success has been the involvement of its global partners. Since 2021, the city has expanded its network of global investment partners to 40, with leading global companies playing an important role in attracting top-tier businesses to the city.

First held in 2021, the upcoming fifth edition of the conference will serve as another milestone, boosting investor confidence and demonstrating Shanghai's commitment to developing a market-oriented, rule-based, and internationalized business environment.

This event will provide a platform for the city to show how government services and entrepreneurial innovation can work in tandem, creating a thriving ecosystem for high-quality economic development.

Sources: thepaper.cn, the official WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization via "sheitc"