The 2025 International Air Transport Association (IATA) Global Legal Conference has been held in Hongkou’s North Bund, marking a major international gathering in the field of aviation law.
Shanghai Vice Mayor Zhang Xiaohong, IATA General Counsel Leslie MacIntosh, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Legal Affairs and External Relations Director Michael Gill, China Eastern Airlines Chairman Wang Zhiqing, and Deputy Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China Liang Nan attended and delivered speeches.
Hongkou District Director Lu Ming also addressed the conference, with Shanghai Municipal Government Deputy Secretary-General Wang Weiren and Shanghai Justice Bureau Director Wu Jianyong in attendance.
As the world’s largest and most influential conference on aviation law, this year’s event drew over 330 global legal experts to discuss cutting-edge issues, including the legal challenges of artificial intelligence in aviation, sustainable development, and aviation dispute resolution.
It marks the second time the IATA Global Legal Conference has been held in Shanghai. In 2014, IATA established the Shanghai International Aviation Arbitration Court (SIACA), positioning the city as a key aviation hub serving nearly 300 global destinations.
The event is expected to accelerate Shanghai’s development as an international legal service center and a key Asia-Pacific arbitration hub while further strengthening North Bund’s position as a global maritime service cluster and international legal service hub.
Hosting this world-class event, North Bund showcased its pioneering “Maritime + Legal” integration, providing a compelling example of China’s commitment to building a business-friendly, law-based environment.
As a core pillar of Shanghai’s international shipping center, North Bund is home to over 4,700 shipping and logistics enterprises, including industry giants such as COSCO Shipping and Shanghai International Port Group.
It stands as China’s most comprehensive maritime hub, offering the highest concentration of port and shipping services.
In recent years, Hongkou District has strategically combined aviation and maritime industries with legal services, transforming North Bund from a traditional shipping center into a global benchmark for “Maritime + Legal” synergy.
Beyond being a hub for shipping enterprises, North Bund has emerged as a testing ground for legal service innovation. Hongkou District has spearheaded reforms to build a full-spectrum, one-stop international legal service port. This includes a comprehensive dispute resolution system covering mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
Key milestones include the establishment of China’s first foreign-related maritime interim arbitration case, the adoption of an integrated “Mediation + Arbitration + Litigation” model for resolving commercial disputes, and the launch of institutions such as the Shanghai International Shipping Arbitration Court, North Bund Shipping Dispute Prevention and Resolution Center, and North Bund Commercial Mediation Center.
Additionally, Hongkou has accelerated training programs for cross-border legal professionals, shaping a globally aligned commercial legal service ecosystem that supports both outbound Chinese enterprises and inbound foreign investors.
Hongkou is also at the forefront of integrating aviation into its shipping economy. In January 2025, the district launched the Youshi Yongfeng-Hongkou Smart Low-Altitude Incubator, which provides funding and incubation support for startups in the low-altitude economy, reinforcing a thriving aviation ecosystem.
Moreover, major landmarks such as the Sinar Mas Plaza and North Bund Raffles City feature helipads, catering not only to aviation needs but also enhancing tourism and business accessibility. This multi-functional integration of aviation and urban development adds a unique dimension to Hongkou’s economic landscape.
The successful hosting of the IATA Global Legal Conference in North Bund marks a significant milestone in Hongkou’s ambition to enhance its aviation legal infrastructure.
Moving forward, the district plans to establish a dedicated aviation legal service center within its international legal service port.
By aligning with global legal standards, North Bund will continue refining its aviation and shipping legal ecosystem, reinforcing Shanghai’s position as a world-class business environment powered by legal excellence.