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Home to most MNC regional HQs and foreign-funded R&D centers on Chinese mainland

english.shanghai.gov.cn
Hongqiao International Central Business District 1.png
​A view of the Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Business District, a key hub for the headquarters economy. [Photo/IC]

Shanghai remains a magnet for foreign investors. In 2025, the paid-in foreign direct investment (FDI) totaled $16.06 billion.

With 1,076 regional headquarters of multinational corporations and 636 foreign-funded R&D centers, Shanghai retained its leading position among cities on the Chinese mainland.

 

Sources: General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Statistics

Updated in February 2026