Laws and Regulations 

 

National

 

1. 2026 Government Work Report Proposes Further Expanding High-level Opening-up

[Keywords: Government Work Report]

 

On March 5, while presenting this year’s government work tasks in the Government Work Report 2026, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council proposed further expanding high-standard opening-up. Market access and openness will be further expanded, with a focus on the services sector. Pilot opening-up programs will be further widened in areas such as value-added telecommunications, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals, the degree of openness in the digital domain will be expanded in an orderly manner, and the negative lists for cross-border trade in services will be further shortened.

 

Source: Xinhuanet

 

2. Four Authorities Issue Document to Promote High-quality Development of Sci-tech Insurance

[Keywords: Sci-tech insurance]

 

Recently, the Ministry of Science and Technology and three other authorities jointly issued the Several Opinions on Accelerating the High-quality Development of Sci-tech Insurance to Strongly Support High-level Self-reliance and Strength in Science and Technology. The document puts forward 20 policy measures across six dimensions. These include supporting Beijing (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region), Shanghai (Yangtze River Delta), and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in building international sci-tech innovation centers as “debut locations” for innovation in sci-tech insurance, in order to promote pioneering trials and demonstrate leading practices.

 

Source: Website of the Chinese Government

 

3. People's Bank of China Issues Notice to Support Cross-border Interbank RMB Financing Business

[Keywords: RMB, Cross-border interbank financing]

 

Recently, the People's Bank of China issued a notice to further support domestic banking financial institutions and overseas institutions in conducting cross-border interbank RMB financing business in a regulated manner.

 

Source: People's Bank of China

 

Shanghai

 

1. Shanghai Municipal Market Regulation Authority Releases Action Plan to Accelerate Building a World-class Business Environment

[Keywords: Market regulation, Business environment]

 

Recently, the Shanghai Municipal Administration for Market Regulation issued the Action Plan (2026) for Accelerating the Building of a World-class Business Environment. The document sets out 20 specific tasks in four areas: deepening reforms for business entry and operation, strengthening the implementation of competition policies, innovating and improving regulatory approaches, and smoothing the circulation among market entities.

 

Source: Shanghai Municipal Administration for Market Regulation

 

Q&A

 

At the press briefing held by the State Council Information Office to explain the Government Work Report, the head of the State Council Research Office answered questions from journalists

Q

This year’s Government Work Report proposes promoting domestic reinvestment by foreign investors and expanding localized production. What are the specific considerations and measures in this regard? In addition, what policy measures will be introduced to attract foreign investment? What new opportunities are available for overseas investors in China?

A

China has always attached great importance to attracting and supporting overseas investors in making investment in China. As of the end of last year, China’s paid-in foreign investment had exceeded RMB 700 billion for 16 consecutive years, remaining among the highest in the world. The operating revenue and total profits of foreign-funded enterprises in China have shown an overall growth trend. Last year, foreign investment in China from a number of countries and in various sectors rose significantly. For example, investment from Switzerland grew by 66.8%, and from the UK by 15.9%. In terms of sectors, e-commerce services grew by 75%, medical devices by 42.1%, and aerospace by 22.9%. In Guangdong, Hainan, Anhui and Shanxi etc., paid-in foreign investment saw double-digit growth.

This year’s Report proposes promoting domestic reinvestment by foreign investors and expanding localized production. This reflects the Chinese government’s firm determination and confidence in continuously advancing high-standard opening-up and encouraging multinational corporations to take a long-term, deeply rooted approach in China. Last year, relevant authorities introduced the tax credit policy for foreign investors who use distributed profits for direct investment, as well as several measures to encourage domestic reinvestment by foreign-funded enterprises, under which the tax credit policy can be combined with the previously introduced tax deferral policy for reinvestment. This policy package offers substantial benefits and has been widely welcomed. Many overseas investors have already made use of these policy measures.

In fact, as one of the most attractive capital investment destinations globally, China has consistently maintained strong appeal for foreign investment. According to recent surveys conducted by some foreign institutions on multinational enterprises, over 90% of the interviewed companies plan to continue investing in China, and nearly 70% of senior executives express confidence in their development in China over the next three to five years. The Chinese government hopes to further expand business opportunities for overseas investors in China and enhance China’s investment attractiveness by continuously improving the investment environment and investment policy measures. Based on the current situation, overseas investors coming to China are facing “four new business opportunities”.

The first is new opportunities arising from China’s ultra-large-scale market. Last year, China’s total retail sales of consumer goods surpassed RMB 50 trillion for the first time, placing China among the top retail markets worldwide. This massive consumer market calls for more high-quality supply, and overseas investors are well positioned to play a significant role in this regard.

The second is new opportunities from the development of the services sector. Last year, per capita spending by Chinese residents on services accounted for 46.1% of their total consumption expenditure, and this share continues to rise. As mentioned earlier, this year China will implement an action plan to expand the capacity and enhance the quality of the services sector, further broaden market access and open sectors in services, thus providing a continuous stream of new opportunities for all types of enterprises, including foreign-funded enterprises.

The third is new opportunities from China’s innovation ecosystem. China has a complete and efficient industrial and supply chain and is building new industrial ecosystems focusing on areas such as the digital economy and green and low-carbon development. Recently, many foreign-funded enterprises have increased their investment in fields such as artificial intelligence and energy in China, and have established and put into operation new R&D centers, indicating that China is gradually becoming an important innovation hub for multinational corporations.

The fourth is new opportunities in opening-up frontiers. This year, China will comprehensively implement strategies to upgrade pilot free trade zones, and carry out the work plan for the high-quality development of state-level economic and technological development zones. Another area that has garnered much attention recently is Hainan, where I worked for many years. After the entire island of the Hainan Free Trade Port officially commenced the island-wide special customs operations, it will offer foreign-funded enterprises more preferential conditions and development opportunities for processing, manufacturing, and greater liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment.

 

Source: SCIO

 

 

Expert Perspective

 

China's New Mineral Resources Law: Opening a New Era of Strategic Opportunities in Mining Investment for Foreign Investors

 

By Yang Guisheng, Zhu Qi, Wang Yonghui, and Shi Ranran [Beijing Dentons Law Offices]

 

[Continued from the Previous Issue]

V. From Law to Practice: Recommendations for Potential Mining Investors

Laws and national policy measures are the cornerstone for safeguarding capital security and realizing long-term value in the course of mining investment. The 2024 revision of the Mineral Resources Law and the adjustment to the Special Administrative Measures for Foreign Investment Access (Negative List) have a direct impact on mining investment strategies. Potential mining investors, especially foreign investors, should pay particular attention to the following three aspects:

1. Comprehensive due diligence

Macro-level due diligence on the policy environment. China’s mining policies are both strategic and dynamic. Investors must gain a thorough understanding of high-level institutional designs such as the national management of mineral classification, the catalogue of strategic minerals, environmental red lines, and regional industrial plans.

Micro-level due diligence on the project itself. It is necessary to verify, item by item, the legality and validity of mineral rights licenses and whether there are encumbrances such as pledges or seizures; to assess the authenticity and reliability of verified resource reserve reports; and to anticipate potential obstacles in future approvals related to land, forestry, safety evaluations, environmental impact assessments and other aspects that may arise during the mining phase.

2. Robust contracts and prudent negotiations

Once thorough due diligence has revealed the true profile of the investment target, the next step is to use rigorous contracts and prudent negotiations to convert uncertain future risks into protected rights. When structuring and drafting transaction documents, several key elements require particular attention:

· The design of the equity acquisition or asset acquisition structure directly affects tax burden and future operational risks.

·  Payment schedules must be closely linked to key milestones such as completion of title transfer, change of licenses, and payment of grant proceeds, so as to balance risk and payment.

· Representations and warranties should comprehensively cover the seller’s statements regarding defect-free mineral rights, absence of hidden liabilities in assets, and regulatory compliance in safety and environmental protection, and should be backed by substantial liability for breach.

Beyond commercial interests, investors also need to gain a deep understanding of China’s mining practices. For example, they should recognize the importance of community relations and incorporate social responsibility clauses into contracts.

3. End-to-end regulatory compliance system

The operational life cycle of mining projects often spans decades, and the real challenge lies in the long journey of post-investment operations. Enterprises need to establish an end-to-end regulatory compliance management mechanism covering project initiation, exploration, construction, mining, mine closure and ecological restoration, to ensure continued government support, community trust and licenses for ongoing operation. Enterprises should focus on the following:

· set up dedicated regulatory compliance positions to continuously monitor and interpret evolving laws and regulations on mining, environmental protection, safety, taxation and labor;

· establish clear internal approval processes and accountability mechanisms to ensure that every step is governed by written rules and supported by adequate records; and

· conduct regular regulatory compliance audits and risk inspections to proactively identify and rectify loopholes instead of waiting to react after administrative penalties.

 

One Week in Shanghai

 

Latest News

 

1. City Image Short Video "Shanghai: A Vibrant City" Released

[Keywords: City image short video]

Recently, the city image promotional short video “Shanghai: A Vibrant City” was released, presenting Shanghai’s new definition of “vitality” from multiple dimensions.

 

Source: Shanghai Release

 

2. Facts and Figures on Shanghai's High-quality Development: "Shanghai Basic Facts 2026" Released

[Keywords: Shanghai Basic Facts]

 

Recently, the Information Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government released Shanghai Basic Facts 2026. The document highlights, through data, Shanghai's 2025 performance characterized by steady progress and quality growth..

 

Source: Shanghai Release

 

3. HKU Zhangjiang Base Officially Launched

[Keywords: University of Hong Kong]

 

Recently, the HKU Zhangjiang Base was officially put into operation in Zhangjiang Science City, Pudong New Area. Starting with the School of Computing and Data Science of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the base is exploring an integrated education model featuring joint development between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Going forward, it will also establish interdisciplinary research institutes in areas such as intelligent computing, future electronics and intelligent manufacturing.

 

Source: International Services Shanghai

 

4. Global Innovative Medical Device Exhibition and Training Center Unveiled in Hongqiao

[Keywords: Medical devices, Exhibition, Training]

 

On March 3, the Global Innovative Medical Device Exhibition and Training Center (GIMET) was officially unveiled in Shanghai. The GIMET aims to build a market-oriented platform that integrates international exhibitions, specialized clinical training, and integrated trade facilitation and services, providing domestic and overseas companies with a gateway to introduce their innovative products to Shanghai and expand nationwide.

 

Source: International Services Shanghai

 

Corporate Activities

 

1. Italian Century-old Biotechnology Group Sacco System Officially Opens Its China Subsidiary in Shanghai

[Keywords: Sacco System]

 

Recently, Italian century-old biotechnology company Sacco System held an inauguration ceremony for its China subsidiary in Shanghai. The establishment of the China subsidiary marks the formation of an integrated "R&D–manufacturing–market" system for Sacco System in the Asia-Pacific region and its deep integration into the world’s most vibrant regional ecosystems for biological innovation.

 

Source: Invest Shanghai

 

2. Delixi Electric's New Headquarters Officially Put into Use in Changning, Shanghai

[Keywords: Delixi Electric]

 

Recently, the new headquarters building of Delixi Electric at the Everbright Ashmore Hongqiao Center in Changning District was officially put into operation. This project represents an important milestone for Delixi Electric in deepening its strategic presence, optimizing resource allocation, and connecting with global markets. It demonstrates the company’s firm commitment to proactively integrating into the national strategy for coordinated regional development and actively embracing high-standard opening-up.

 

Source: Invest in Changning

 

Competition Events

 

1. FORMULA 1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix 2026 About to Begin

[Keywords: F1]

 

From March 13 to 15, the FORMULA 1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix 2026 will return to the Shanghai International Circuit. As the season’s first sprint race, the Chinese Grand Prix will feature sprint race battles for the third consecutive year. With an action-packed three-day schedule and a revamped weekend tempo, speed and passion will roar once again across Shanghai.

 

Source: FI Heineken Chinese Grand Prix

 

Forums and Exhibitions

 

1. 2026 Shanghai Global Investment Promotion Conference and "Invest In Shanghai" Week Soon to Open

[Keywords: Shanghai Global Investment Promotion Conference]

 

The 2026 Shanghai Global Investment Promotion Conference and "Invest in Shanghai" Week will officially open on March 14. Under the theme of "Shanghai Spring · Future Forward", the main venue will be located in the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone, a new landmark of China’s opening-up. During the event, a series of activities will be held, featuring five dedicated zones for project matchmaking, financing services, investment roadshows, policy consultation, and factor platforms.

 

Source: Shanghai Release

 

Culture & Arts

 

1. Stage Play "Spring Dawn on Su Causeway" Returns to Shanghai

[Keywords: Spring Dawn on Su Causeway]

 

From April 10 to 12, the stage play Spring Dawn on Su Causeway will once again be performed at the Huangpu Cultural Center Great Shanghai Theater. Departing from the traditional biographical approach to literati, the play adopts the fresh perspective of a “civil servant of the Song Dynasty” and uses a non-linear narrative structure to connect episodes from Su Dongpo’s two tenures in Hangzhou.

 

Source: Grand Theatre of China