On the morning of today (March 2), the Information Office of
Shanghai Municipality held a press briefing, during which Hua Yuan, member of
the Standing Committee of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and vice mayor
of Shanghai, presented the achievements of the Hongqiao International Central
Business District on the third anniversary of the approval of the Master Plan
for the Construction of the Hongqiao International Hub for Opening-up. Zhong
Xiaoyong, Party Secretary and executive deputy director of the Hongqiao International
Central Business District Administration, Chen Shiyan, deputy director of the Shanghai
Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Chen Huawen, chief of Minhang
District, Hou Jijun, chief of Changning District, Yang Xiaojing, chief of Qingpu
District, and Gao Xiang, chief of Jiading District, attended the press briefing
and answered questions from reporters.

Over the past three years since the approval of the Master Plan for
the Construction of the Hongqiao International Hub for Opening-up, Shanghai has
steadfastly executed decisions outlined by the CPC Central Committee and the
State Council. It has also adhered to the directives set forth in General
Secretary Xi Jinping’s crucial speeches during the symposium on the integrated
development of the Yangtze River Delta and during his inspection tour to
Shanghai. Aligned with the “Two-stage Goals, Three Major Positioning, and Endeavors
on Four Fronts” stipulated in the Master Plan, Shanghai has vigorously advanced
the implementation of the plan. Hongqiao International Central Business
District (CBD) holds a pivotal position in the functional layout of Hongqiao
International Hub for Opening-up. Over the last three years, Shanghai has
deepened its comprehension of national strategies, strictly adhered to
integration, high quality, and internationalization standards, leveraged policy
advantages, and empowered the construction of the core area. The CBD has
continuously enhanced core functions, elevating the impact of services in the “Two
Belts” and the Yangtze River Delta region. During this period, the CBD
accelerated the aggregation of advantageous industries, achieving remarkable
results in functional construction, emerging as a potent growth driver for
Shanghai’s economic development. The key achievements in the past three years
can be summarized in four main aspects.

1. Striving to enhance advantageous industries and spearhead
high-quality development

The CBD is strategically empowering key sectors like grand commerce,
conventions and exhibitions, and transportation with robust science and
innovation. Continuous efforts in promoting industrial innovation have resulted
in a notable improvement in the industrial capabilities. The CBD has played a
pivotal “stabilizer” role in key economic development areas, with tax revenue
achieving a remarkable three-year compound growth rate of over 20% and main
economic indicators surpassing the city’s average levels.

The CBD saw acceleration of the headquarters economy. The
implementation of the plan to gather headquarters in Hongqiao has expedited the
establishment of the Yangtze River Delta private enterprise headquarters
cluster and the Hongqiao Linkong MNC (Headquarters) Science and Technology
Innovation Park. The CBD has successfully attracted over 500 headquarters-type
enterprises, including 127 multinational corporate headquarters and
foreign-funded R&D centers certified at the municipal level, as well as 84
domestic enterprise headquarters and trading headquarters certified at the CBD
level. The CBD has emerged as a vibrant hub for the accelerated clustering of
diverse headquarters institutions.

The CBD saw robust momentum in advantageous industries. The CBD is
strategically focused on driving the high-impact headquarters economy, high-end
service economy, high-traffic trade economy, and high-spillover-effect
exhibition economy. Substantial efforts have been invested in promoting the
agglomeration of advantageous industries, resulting in differentiated and
characteristically developed sectors in one core zone and four areas. The
accelerated construction of industrial parks, such as the New Hongqiao
International Medical Center, Hongqiao Linkong Economic Demonstration Zone,
Beidou Industrial Park, Convention and Exhibition Industrial Park, and Online
New Economic Eco-Park, has facilitated the rapid gathering of emerging
industries like the digital economy, life sciences, software and information,
intelligent manufacturing, and new energy. In 2023, a total of 304 key
industries and investment projects were introduced, with a contracted
investment totaling 154 billion yuan, marking a significant year-on-year
increase of 54%.

The CBD saw significant advancements in scientific and technological
innovation. Leveraging the advantages of many corporate headquarters, R&D
centers, and robust industrial systems in the CBD, along with the CIIE’s appeal
to gather global innovative products and cutting-edge technologies, the CBD has
geared up the cultivation of innovation carriers, including Beidou Navigation
Industry Innovation Base and the Shanghai International Medical Technology
Transformation and Innovation Center. The construction of the Shanghai
International Technology Trading Market has further highlighted the advantages
of collaborative innovation. The CBD has become a focal point for over 200
specialized and sophisticated small and medium-sized enterprises, along with
more than 10,000 scientific research and technical service providers. The
comprehensive science and technology innovation system has witnessed increased
completeness, fostering a robust innovation atmosphere and playing a
discernible role in promoting high-quality industrial development.

2. Striving to foster platform functions to propel integrated growth
in the Yangtze River Delta

With a targeted focus on creating a robust platform for
international trade and driving the implementation of major functional
platforms, the CBD has significantly elevated its core functions. This has led
to a heightened prominence, further reinforcing its pivotal role in advancing
the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta.

The CBD has been bolstering the “Going Global” functional platform.
This resulted in the establishment of the Hongqiao Overseas Development Service
Center and the capacity enhancement with Shanghai “Belt and Road” Comprehensive
Service Center (Hongqiao) and the RCEP Enterprise Service Consulting Station
(Hongqiao). The CBD has attracted 37 international trade and investment
promotion agencies, 84 legal service agencies, and 209 human resources service
agencies to settle down. Notably, the concentration of professional agencies
serving enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta aiming to expand globally is on
a continuous rise.

The CBD has been strengthening the “Bringing In” functional
platform. Ongoing efforts included deepening the construction of the National
Import Trade Promotion and Innovation Demonstration Zone, with continued
reinforcement of the “6+365” annual exhibition and sales platform and the addition
of a new industrial product launch platform at the Imported Goods Display and
Trading Center. Efforts were also made to support Hongqiao Pinhui and Greenland
Trade Hub to set up 36 sub-centers in the Yangtze River Delta region. The CBD
was the city’s top performer in cross-border import trade value within a bonded
logistics center (type B) in 2023, with an accelerated focus on its role as a
distribution center for imports and exports.

The CBD has been making dedicated efforts in building a new international
trade platform. Focused initiatives involved the construction of a global
digital trade hub and a “Silk Road E-commerce” cooperation pilot zone. Concentrated
efforts were also made on cultivating a cohort of productive Internet service
platform enterprises, together with active promotion of the Hongqiao Trade
Digital Empowerment Center and the International Cultural and Creative E-Sports
Center to enhance their functionalities. The CBD kicked off the construction of
the “Silk Road E-commerce” digital technology application center, signaling its
commitment to the advancement of business district service trade, digital
trade, and other novel facets of international trade.

3. Striving to elevate regional quality and strengthen
the foundation of the international CBD

The CBD is actively benchmarking against international
first-class standards, strategically optimizing spatial development patterns,
and driving urban renewal and infrastructure construction, thereby solidifying
its position as a benchmark area for station-city and industry-city integrated
development.

The strategic development space underwent continuous
optimization within the CBD. Building upon the implementation of the short-term
plan for land and space, the focus extended to accentuating strategic
functional orientation. This involved conducting specialized planning for both
the CBD and its surrounding areas, aiming to comprehensively optimize the
functional pattern and spatial network system within the grand Hongqiao area so
as to enhance connectivity between the “Two Belts.” A comprehensive transportation
plan is developed for the CBD, together with a special plan for the
establishment of an international consumption cluster in West Shanghai. These
initiatives collectively aim to shape a comprehensive transportation hub and
commercial circulation center that positions itself as an international focal
point, seamlessly connects the Yangtze River Delta and extends its influence
across the nation.

Infrastructure development is progressing smoothly. The
primary structure for the early-opening segment of the airport connection line
has been successfully completed. Simultaneously, the west extension project of
Route 71, designed to accommodate medium traffic volume, has been finalized and
is now operational. Furthermore, an accelerated pace has been set for the
Demonstration Zone Line, Jiamin Line, the comprehensive improvement project of
Hongqiao Hub West Intersection Plaza and various district-to-district
connecting roads. Several landmark projects, including Qianwan Park, have
commenced construction. A total of 22,500 affordable rental housing units have
been completed or are under construction. Public service facilities for
high-level education, medical care, culture, and sports have undergone
substantial improvements.

The progress of regional urban renewal remains
steadfast, guided by a commitment to excellence. Drawing inspiration from
high-level CBDs, our dedication to urban renewal persists. We are actively
engaged in enhancing existing strengths, addressing weaknesses, and
recalibrating the functional ratio of current structures to optimize public
service facilities, rejuvenate industries, and elevate overall quality. A
series of projects, strategically designed for the transformation and upgrade
of inefficient commercial offices and the creation of high-quality public
spaces, have been meticulously organized and are slated for implementation this
year. Concurrently, relevant districts are undertaking the comprehensive
transformation of urban villages within a 151-square-kilometer area. Among
these initiatives, the Panlong Tiandi project stands out as a transformative
benchmark, having undergone a remarkable transformation, thereby becoming one
of the flagship projects in the revitalization of urban villages in Shanghai.

4. Striving to improve the business environment and bolster
the role and effect as a pilot area for reform and innovation

The strategy involves the rigorous implementation of
multiple national strategic requirements, actively championing policy and
institutional innovation, and meticulous attention to optimizing the
international business environment. The objective is to seamlessly transition
the “test field” of reform and innovation into a dynamic “productive field”
that leads to high-quality development.

This commitment extends to policy initiatives,
leveraging the Hongqiao International Hub for Opening-up as a foundation. We
capitalized on the pilot advantages of institutional opening-up, with a
specific focus on projects for the integration of domestic and foreign trade.
In 2023, our concentration was on ensuring the implementation of the upgraded 24
Hongqiao measures and the CBD development regulations. Corresponding
encouragement and guidance policies were introduced, complemented by the
establishment of a new round of special development funds. The harmonization
and empowerment of various policies effectively propelled the high-quality
development of the CBD.

The magnetic effect of talent aggregation is becoming
increasingly evident. We expedited the establishment of talent highlands,
aiming to attract and harness the skills of individuals from around the world.
To facilitate this, we initiated the publication of a catalog outlining
urgently needed talents in key industries. In addition, key initiatives such as
the Hongqiao Talent Development Conference and various talent recruitment
activities are being actively pursued. Complementing these efforts, we are constructing
a one-stop service center tailored for foreigners and deepening the development
of vital infrastructures like the Human Resources Service Industrial Park and
Hongqiao International Business Talent Hub. This comprehensive approach is
proving successful in drawing high-level international and domestic talents, as
well as fostering the growth of premium talent service agencies and human
resources companies in Hongqiao.

Our commitment to precision in business services is
unwavering. We are optimizing and enhancing the investment linkage mechanism, while
implementing the international business partnership plan with diligence. A
series of high-quality investment promotion activities, including the Hongqiao
HUB Conference and Entrepreneurs Roundtable, are being conducted to fortify the
“Invest in Hongqiao” brand. To further streamline business operations, the
establishment of an enterprise service center within the CBD is being actively
promoted. Efforts are being made to build an integrated online service platform
and introduce corporate financing, intellectual property transactions,
technology exchanges, and other crucial resources. The development of
government-enterprise and enterprise-enterprise interaction platforms is
underway, accelerating the creation of an ecosystem for enterprise services
within the CBD.

The 2024 On-site
Meeting on High-level Construction of Hongqiao International Hub for Opening-up,
convened yesterday, outlined definitive directives for advancing the
construction of the Hongqiao International Hub for Opening-up in the upcoming
stages. Emphasis is placed on enhancing the service impact of this
international hub. Shanghai is resolutely committed to implementing the key
principles articulated by General Secretary Xi Jinping during his inspections
of Shanghai and the symposium on deepening the integration of the Yangtze River
Delta. Aligned with national strategic requirements and the directives of the
CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and Shanghai Municipality, the city is poised
to intensify efforts in promoting the construction of the Hongqiao
International CBD with an unwavering commitment to high quality. This strategic
approach is centered on coordination and collaboration across four crucial
aspects, namely innovation, opening-up, software and hardware, as well as
regional development. We aim to work with neighboring regions to leverage each
other’s strengths and spearhead coordinated endeavors to propel the
construction of Hongqiao International Hub for Opening-up to unprecedented
heights. This concerted effort not only positions the Yangtze River Delta for
high-quality integrated development but also contributes significantly to forging
a new development pattern.