A delegation of international business leaders and entrepreneurs tour Shanghai's Yangpu district on March 18. [Photo by Zheng Zheng / chinadaily.com.cn]
A delegation of international business leaders and entrepreneurs toured Shanghai's Yangpu district on Tuesday, exploring business opportunities and gaining insights into the city's development.
Hosted by the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Yangpu District People's Government, the event attracted representatives from foreign chambers of commerce, enterprises and international professionals.
Participants visited several locations in Yangpu, including a renovated historical community and Meituan, a major food delivery platform company, offering insights into the district's blend of traditional culture and modern innovation.
Jens Ewert, vice-chair of the Shanghai Chapter Board of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, highlighted Yangpu's role in innovation, green development and high-level opening-up.
"European businesses seek collaboration in tech, smart cities and green energy," said Ewert. "Many European Chamber members from the manufacturing sector have operations in Yangpu and seek deeper engagement with the local government, particularly in areas such as large-scale equipment renewal."
Long-term foreign residents also praised Shanghai's evolving ecosystem. Tanaka Toshikazu, CEO of Takumi Innovators (Shanghai) Accelerator Management Co Ltd, who has lived in Shanghai for 16 years, praised the city's inclusive environment for foreign businesses. "Shanghai is very welcoming to foreigners and international companies. It provides an excellent environment for entrepreneurs like us," he said.
Participants visit a renovated historical community and Meituan, a major food delivery platform headquartered in Shanghai's Yangpu district. [Photo by Zheng Zheng / chinadaily.com.cn]
Juan Mateos Budino, a Spanish student entrepreneur at Tongji University, expressed interest in Shanghai's business potential. "Shanghai is a center for business and is the perfect place for doing business. It is like a tough market but a good one to participate in."
Dahvida Falanitule, chairman of Shanghai E.I.C. Group Business Consulting Co Ltd, has witnessed Shanghai's transformation since 2000. "The evolution of government regulations has been remarkable. What once took six months to establish a foreign company can now be done in two to three weeks," Falanitule said, highlighting China's improved business environment.
Nikolay Shamov, CEO of Hermitage Co Ltd and an opera singer-conductor, shared his experience of starting a cultural education company in 2021. "It's a great time to do business in China. The government provides substantial support and numerous opportunities through various exhibitions and programs," he said.
Tina Ng, vice-chairperson of SingCham (Shanghai), who has spent two decades in China, emphasized the country's increasing transparency and efficiency. "Many procedures that previously required in-person visits can now be completed online. The system is becoming more integrated and accessible," she said.
