Shanghai's Changning district released its latest policies and measures to optimize the district's business environment during its 2024 investment promotion conference on Feb 20.

Based on the recently released Shanghai action plan to create a world-class business environment, the "Changning District Business Environment Construction Version 7.0" has put forth a new round of policies to promote high-quality development.

The 2024 Changning District Business Environment and Investment Promotion Conference takes place on Feb 20. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Ye Pengju, director of the Development and Reform Commission of the Changning District Government, said that from version 1.0 to version 7.0, Changning district has continuously optimized its business environment policies to adapt to changes in enterprise demands.

"In the early days, companies paid more attention to monetary policies such as financial support," Ye said. "Now they are paying more and more attention to the cultivation of teams and talents, the promotion of technological innovation, and the support of innovative scenarios."

In response, Changning will promote high-quality economic development and the high-quality development of talents.

The policies focus on six key regional industries including aviation services, Internet-plus-lifestyle services, fashion and creativity, artificial intelligence innovation, financial services and life and health. Convenient services are provided for renting and purchasing houses, events and exhibitions, the construction of key platforms and the implementation of industrial projects.

The measures to promote the high-quality development of talents focus on creating a gathering place for international innovative and entrepreneurial talents and building a platform for the development of scientific and technological innovation talents. Notably, it proposes to strengthen the construction of the first stop for overseas talents' innovation and entrepreneurship, and further enhance the performance of the Hongqiao One-Stop Service Center for Overseas Talents, as well as supports for the Talents Housing project.

Arch Shanghai in Changning district was the first office tower in Shanghai to achieve 10 billion yuan ($1.39 billion) in tax revenues in 2023. [Photo/Arch Shanghai]

Changning district, located in the western area of central Shanghai, is part of the Hongqiao transportation hub and the Hongqiao International Business District. It is also home to the headquarters of many digital economy companies, such as China's leading travel service platform Ctrip and e-commerce giant Pinduoduo.

Last year, Changning district's GDP reached 200 billion yuan, a year-on-year growth of 12.8 percent, ranking first in the city.

Source: Shanghai Observer