Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. [Photo provided by the Hongqiao International Central Business District Administrative Committee]
Shanghai's Hongqiao International Central Business District (CBD) is stepping up efforts to enhance foreign trade and investment.
The CBD saw an 11.39 percent year-on-year increase in export and import volume in the first 11 months of 2024 and a 7.2 percent increase in the number of new foreign-invested companies in the first 10 months.
In response to the national call for expanded openness and stabilized foreign trade, the CBD has introduced 33 measures, with 21 already in place, to strengthen its role as a hub for international trade.
With international market uncertainties, robust financial backing is crucial. The CBD's administrative committee, in partnership with the Shanghai Financing Guarantee Center, has implemented special guarantee policies, providing 1.92 million yuan ($26,197.06) in subsidies. Banks are also optimizing financial services for foreign trade enterprises, focusing on credit and risk management.
The CBD is also accelerating the development of its service platforms. The Hongqiao Overseas Development Service Center's "going global" platform integrates government services with professional resources, supporting enterprises in expanding internationally. A new service center in Munich, Germany, further aids businesses from the Yangtze River Delta region.
Home to the China International Import Expo's permanent venue, Hongqiao leverages this event to convert exhibits into merchandise and exhibitors into investors. The Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trade Center currently showcases over 6,000 brands from 120 countries, most of which were exhibited at the CIIE.
