Hongkou District has held the 2024 Regional Headquarters Certification Ceremony for multinational companies under the theme "Invest in Shanghai, Open Hongkou, Join the CIIE."
During the ceremony, certificates were awarded to representatives of six multinational corporations and foreign R&D centers, including SoftwareOne, Rhenus and Electrolux. The event also witnessed the signing of key projects.
Hongkou has made significant strides in attracting foreign investment, with GDP growth among the fastest in Shanghai from January to September and a 32.6 percent year-on-year increase in foreign investment as of August.
The district's emphasis on creating a fair and efficient business environment has made it a preferred destination for global headquarters and high-tech R&D centers.
In the first three quarters of the year, Hongkou welcomed 16 new headquarters, contributing to a recent doubling of such entities.
Leveraging its status as part of the Shanghai Free Trade Pilot Zone's linked innovation area, Hongkou has become a hub for foreign companies, with over 2,000 multinational firms from 75 countries and 93 high-level headquarters and R&D centers.
Uwe Schlager, COO of SoftwareOne’s Asia-Pacific region, praised the district's international standards and commitment to business stability, noting Hongkou’s conducive environment for sustainable growth and innovation in technology sectors.
Lorenzo Riccardi, Chairman of the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Hongkou's historical significance for Italian businesses, noting its role as a cultural and commercial bridge between Italy and China.
The ceremony also saw the release of the "Hongkou District Three-Year Action Plan for Foreign Headquarters (2024-2026)," signaling the district’s commitment to fostering high-quality foreign investment.
A promotional video titled “Yes! It's Hongkou” premiered, showcasing the growth stories of foreign-invested enterprises in Hongkou as they continue to expand from Shanghai into broader Chinese and global markets.
Hongkou plans to focus on attracting foreign investment from targeted sectors and regions, enhancing its one-stop service platform to facilitate inbound and outbound investments, and further strengthening its role as a vibrant center for international business, the district government said.