The Minhang area of Shanghai's Hongqiao International Central Business District now hosts 275 headquarters companies.
Its location, policy advantages and support services are said to be driving growth as the area advances towards becoming a "global collaboration hub".
Numbering among the CBD’s resident companies is private firm Sains Technology, a creative services provider of high-end cultural and tourism equipment.
Known for projects including Shanghai Disney Resort's Soaring Over the Horizon and Universal Studios Japan, it values South Hongqiao's enabling environment for attracting international professionals.
About 15 percent of Sains' staff are foreign employees. Previously burdened by lengthy visa procedures, they now benefit from one-stop services covering entry, residence and work permits — enabled by talent hub policies that streamline formalities and reduce unnecessary overseas travel.
The area also hosts key functional platforms: Hongqiao International Central Legal-Services District, the China Shanghai Human Resources Service Industrial Zone Hongqiao Park, the Hongqiao Overseas Trade Center and the Hongqiao Overseas Development Service Center, offering direct policy support and business services.
An exterior view of Hongqiao International Central Legal-Services District. [Photo/WeChat ID: hongqiaoshangwuqu]
Last year, the Hongqiao International Talent Service Center served nearly 4,000 foreign professionals from over 40 countries. It handled more than 800 permanent residence applications and processed 13 work-permit categories, 11 of which cover the entire CBD, extending to Yangtze River Delta business enterprises.
Recently, the center introduced 24-hour automated endorsement machines for trips to Hong Kong and Macao, enabling professionals to obtain urgent travel permits conveniently.
Through its industry-focused task forces in trade, biomedicines, low-carbon energy and professional services, South Hongqiao aims to provide an office space and a dynamic stage for higher-level corporate development.
