Shanghai's Changning district plans to further develop the East Hongqiao area into a headquarters cluster for companies going global during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), building on its strong international connections, corporate headquarters, and professional services.

A strong international network

Changning is home to more than one-third of Shanghai's consular institutions and around half of the city's diplomatic residences, as well as numerous international business associations.

It has also built a growing support network for companies expanding overseas. More than 60 professional service providers are part of its "15-minute service circle for companies going global," while Hongqiao service stations for companies going global have been established in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Melbourne.

Companies can also benefit from services such as digital customs inspection, cross-border data services, and integrated RMB and foreign currency cash pooling.

The area is already home to enterprises with a global footprint. Online streaming platform iQIYI's digital content has reached nearly 200 countries and regions, while Chinese tea beverage chain Chagee has entered eight overseas markets.

What's next

Over the next five years, Changning will broaden its international cooperation network, make greater use of its concentration of international institutions, and organize more country-specific business-matching events to support companies going global.

The district will also strengthen its policy and service support and develop a Hongqiao service hub for companies going global. More international professional service providers will be engaged, while programs such as the Hongqiao Global Expansion Salon and the Go Global Talent Program will be strengthened, along with the training base for professionals supporting companies going global, to provide more targeted and efficient end-to-end services.

Changning also plans to accelerate the clustering of headquarters of companies going global and promote overseas expansion in sectors including digital and intelligent services, fashion and consumer goods, culture, entertainment, and tourism.

Closer cooperation with the Hongqiao International Central Business District, other Shanghai districts, and the Yangtze River Delta region will help better connect domestic resources with global markets.

Source: WeChat account of Changning district information office "shchangning"