Shanghai's Huangpu district has released a plan to promote foreign investment during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), outlining measures to attract high-quality foreign investment, support foreign companies' long-term development in Shanghai, and create a more open, efficient, and international business environment.

Huangpu aims to attract $8 billion in contracted foreign investment and $7.5 billion in actual foreign investment over the five years through 2030. The district also plans to add around 20 foreign-funded functional institutions, including regional headquarters of multinational corporations and foreign-funded R&D centers, bringing the total to more than 100.

Expanding investment opportunities

The plan aims to expand opportunities for foreign investment in sectors including finance, professional services, and culture and tourism.

The district will encourage multinational companies to establish global or regional treasury management centers and deepen the Qualified Foreign Limited Partner (QFLP) and Qualified Domestic Limited Partner (QDLP) pilot programs. It will also support cross-border investment and financing, including overseas asset allocation and more efficient cross-border fund management.

Huangpu aims to attract global providers in accounting, consulting, legal, human resources, green tech, and certification services to set up regional headquarters or functional branches. It plans to enhance its international shipping services cluster, assist companies in navigating cross-border data flows and developing new application scenarios in line with relevant regulations, and promote qualified foreign firms to host premium international performances and major sporting events.

Foreign companies operating in digital technology, life sciences and healthcare, and science and technology services will be encouraged to add high-value functions, including R&D and investment management.

The district will also encourage reinvestment of profits, technology and brand licensing, equity investment, and cooperation between foreign and local companies. Eligible foreign-funded companies will receive support for going public and for cross-border mergers and acquisitions, while international venture capital institutions will be encouraged to invest in early-stage projects and hard-tech companies.

Supporting headquarters and R&D centers

Qualified foreign companies will be encouraged to set up regional headquarters in Huangpu. Existing regional headquarters will receive support to expand their roles, including R&D, treasury, investment decisions, procurement, distribution, supply chain, and shared services.

Foreign-funded R&D centers will receive support to upgrade into Asia-Pacific or global research hubs and participate in international R&D initiatives. They will also be encouraged to create open innovation platforms, collaborate with local enterprises, universities, and research organizations, and focus on commercializing and applying their research results within the region.

Creating opportunities in urban renewal, consumption, and key zones

Foreign companies will be supported in participating in urban renewal through equity cooperation, asset acquisition, and light-asset operations, including the upgrading of buildings and commercial spaces.

International brands will be encouraged to establish product customization centers, customer experience centers, and Asia-Pacific sales headquarters. Huangpu will also support brands in opening their first stores in the region, as well as flagship and innovative concept stores, while improving departure tax refund and cross-border payment services.

Leveraging key functional zones, the district will advance pilot measures in cross-border, technology, and green finance, and attract international financial and professional institutions, foreign-funded and joint-venture companies in digital and future industries, and foreign-funded supply chain headquarters.

Huangpu will also facilitate customs clearance for materials used in biomedical R&D and support foreign companies in jewelry design, R&D, brand presentation, trading, and headquarters operations.

Strengthening investment cooperation

The district will work with overseas economic and trade offices, investment promotion agencies, international organizations, and business associations, and use platforms such as the China International Import Expo to connect foreign investors with local opportunities.

Application scenarios in finance, commerce, culture, and tourism will also be opened to foreign companies, enabling the introduction of new business models, products, and services.

Improving services for foreign businesses and professionals

The plan focuses on improving services across the investment cycle and on creating a stable, fair, and predictable business environment for foreign companies.

Huangpu will strengthen the protection of foreign investors' rights and interests, enhance intellectual property services, and improve mechanisms for handling enterprise concerns.

The district will enhance support for foreign-funded headquarters and R&D centers, including assistance with financial operations, trade facilitation, and talent recruitment. Multilingual service guides and targeted policy services will be provided to help foreign companies better understand and access available local policy support.

Through the Bund Service Center for International Professionals, Huangpu will provide services covering entry, exit, and residency procedures, relocation, housing, education, healthcare, and daily life in Shanghai.

Source: Huangpu district government