On December 3, more than 40 China-Europe shipping companies participated in the China-Europe Maritime Summit Forum held at the North Bund's Raffles City Plaza. Zhang Jie, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, and Chen Shuai, Deputy District Governor, attended the meeting and delivered speeches.
As the birthplace of modern shipping in Shanghai, the North Bund area is infused with maritime elements. It is home to over 4,000 shipping companies and nearly 40 functional institutions, making it one of the most concentrated areas for shipping services in China’s Mainland. Particularly notable is the presence of foreign shipping companies in Hongkou, with 12 of the world's top 50 liner companies having offices here.
The North Bund is currently focusing on being the New Urban Development Benchmark in the New Era. It aims to become a new engine powering Shanghai's central development, a new landmark leading the transformation of north-south development, and a new standard for Shanghai's reform and opening up in the new era. This makes it a crucial area for Shanghai's core urban functions.
This year, Hongkou has intensified its efforts to promote foreign investment. It has organized roundtable meetings, industry forums, and high-level visits, inviting multinational corporations, hidden champions, high-growth companies, international organizations, and trade agencies to experience Hongkou's market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment for foreign investment. This event brought together experts and entrepreneurs from the European and Chinese shipping industries to discuss global market development, opportunities, and cooperation.
Officials from the District Commerce Commission and the Shipping Office promoted the North Bund and the district's shipping industry.
Dr. Wasmansdorff, CEO of Germany's MOVENA Maritime Group, gave a keynote speech on the new trends in international shipping - technology, green initiatives, and China-Europe cooperation. Key shipping companies shared their experiences in technological product application and innovation, as well as their outlook on the future of the maritime industry.
Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, Hongkou has leveraged its advantageous industrial chain to enhance its business environment, public services, and cultural exchanges, attracting more headquarters-type businesses and forging new strengths in regional headquarters economics. Hongkou will continue to utilize its domestic and international promotion agencies and global investment cooperation partner channels to diversify the display of its international image and foreign investment environment. The aim is to develop a higher-level headquarters economy, consolidate global resources, and make the North Bund a key showcase window for modern Chinese-style development.
Representatives from CITIC Bank Hongkou Branch, Shanghai Port Association, Shanghai Port Industry Association, City Commerce Chamber Federation, and over 60 China-Europe shipping companies attended the event.