The Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Business District is strengthening its role as a key gateway for companies in the Yangtze River Delta region to expand overseas by offering integrated business services and global resources.

Chinese noodle chain Chen Xianggui, which has grown to more than 300 stores and opened an outlet in Berlin, Germany, has set up its headquarters in Hongqiao. Founder Jiang Jun said Hongqiao offers one-stop services for international trademark registration, overseas business connections and cross-border travel, making global expansion easier for companies.

Spanning Shanghai's Minhang, Changning, Qingpu and Jiading districts, Hongqiao CBD serves as a major platform supporting the integrated development of the YRD region. It has introduced new cross-border e-commerce shipping models and continues to improve services for businesses going global.

The Hongqiao Overseas Development Service Center has gathered more than 50 international trade organizations and maintains a service network spanning over 150 countries and regions. It also supports regional cooperation through initiatives such as the YRD New Energy Vehicle Overseas Expansion Base.

To provide more comprehensive support, Hongqiao has launched an "overseas expansion service map" that links businesses with 108 professional service providers across 18 areas, including legal, tax, and financing services.

The district's economy continues to grow. From January to May this year, foreign trade totaled 46.81 billion yuan ($6.5 billion), up 21.4 percent year-on-year, while 5,872 new businesses were registered, marking a 35.9 percent year-on-year increase.