Companies enamored by city's inclusive, innovative mindset

Leading enterprises, which are engaged in different industries within Shanghai, are eager to use their expertise to empower the Implementation Measures for Shanghai's Global Partner Program to Promote Foreign Investment, or Global Partners Program, released in July by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, contributing to the greater success of the city.

"We welcome the launch of the Global Partners Program. This signifies the intention of the Shanghai government to attract foreign investment and reflects on their efforts. This program aligns with our group's sustainable development strategy," said Wang Hong, general manager of Shui On Xintiandi, who has been overseeing the development of office business management company Shui On Workx for more than 10 years. "Shui On Workx highly recognizes and supports this program. We will collaborate closely with the Shanghai government to attract a greater inflow of high-quality foreign capital into the city."

Embarking on its journey in Shanghai about 20 years ago, Shui On Workx has been innovating and creating new projects to serve people's desire toward a better life, according to Wang.

"Our commitment lies in creating value for the city, businesses and organizations alike. With a people-centered approach, we strive to provide tailored office solutions that meet the needs of both enterprises and individuals. Our range of products and services cater to a diverse array of enterprises at different stages of the development cycle. We understand that each business has unique requirements, and we are dedicated to helping them identify and enhance their commercial value," said Wang. "Instead of merely being property developers, we stand as city operators. Our approach goes beyond the traditional boundaries of real estate. Our services extend beyond the typical scope of property development. We are involved in every stage of a project, starting from meticulously planning and positioning the development. Once the construction phase is complete, our role as operators begins. We aim to cultivate and transform the entire commercial office ecosystem, ensuring its seamless operation and sustained success."

"As a professional service provider, Shui On Workx will capitalize on its advantages of owning a diverse range of platforms, extensive business coverage, investment expertise, a strong client base and valuable information to support the Global Partner Program," Wang said.

"We possess the ability to collaborate with Shanghai in attracting investments, suggesting foreign projects that align with the trajectory of industrial development and aiding in their execution."

Wang said Shanghai, one of the largest markets in China, has been attracting significant attention from foreign enterprises, who are willing to join hands with Shanghai to achieve better outcomes.

"Shui On is willing to collaborate with Shanghai and help the city to create a better business environment," Wang said.

Building the future together

With more than 100 years of extensive presence in Shanghai, Bayer is committed to supporting the city in promoting the Global Partners Program, which aims to foster strategic alliances and serve as catalysts for driving further advancements, creating opportunities for sustainable growth.

"Bayer appreciates the release of the program," said Gao Yong, vice-president of Bayer China. "Bayer has always been a loyal partner in investing in Shanghai. We will continue to make efforts to actively support the Global Partners Program and become a qualified partner of the city."

Gao said Bayer highly regards the city's ability to attract and support international businesses. This commitment motivates the German life science company to continuously pursue opportunities to introduce innovative products and services to Shanghai.

"We have been actively seeking collaborations with external partners and suppliers to foster the growth of a robust and competitive biomedical industry ecosystem in Shanghai," said Gao.

Gao said Bayer's current business focus revolves around healthcare and agricultural science. The company has made substantial investments in groundbreaking innovations within the pharmaceutical sector, with a specific emphasis on stem cell and gene therapy advancements.

"In China, in the short to medium term, our focus is on accelerating the introduction of new products and solutions to benefit Chinese patients. In the medium and long term, we will prioritize local innovations in China, strengthen collaborations with local companies, and leverage our expertise and capabilities to support the development of cell and gene therapy in the country," Gao said. "Bayer has leading pipelines in the fields of stem cell and gene therapy in pharmaceuticals and agricultural biotechnology. We are also committed to making these advanced technologies and products available to Chinese patients and customers in a timely manner through continuous policy advocacy."

Siemens Healthineers, a German healthcare solution provider, will also foster a partnership with Shanghai to support the high-quality transition of the city.

According to the company, Shanghai has long been a top business destination for global investors for its inclusiveness, talent base, craftsman spirit, complete industry chain, efficient government administration, and an open mindset toward innovation and reform.

"The Global Partners Program reiterated Shanghai's determination to further open its market to foreign companies. Siemens Healthineers has always cared about and supported the development of Shanghai. We look forward to actively striving to become a global partner of this program and contribute to the work in Shanghai," said Wang Hao, president of Siemens Healthineers Greater China.

According to Wang, Siemens Healthineers has long been promoting communication and exchanges within the medical technology sector. It does not only help excellent projects seek opportunities in overseas markets, but also supports premium projects to tap into the Chinese market.

Wang also suggested that different mechanisms should be implemented under the Global Partners Program to better serve different industries with different features.

"We believe that forming investment promotion groups that target different industries and developing tailor-made plans based on the business environment, policies, and market conditions will greatly contribute to the promotion of the Global Partners Program," Wang said. "A mechanism that can facilitate the collaboration among various types of businesses, including professional service partners, financial service providers, suppliers along industry chains, and business associations, would be highly beneficial."

Wang noted that behind the successful implementation of any investment project lies a firm belief in the "great potential" of the market, especially in the face of complex external influences.

"Strengthening communication and accelerating the flow of investment are crucial. This calls for mutual cooperation and support between all partners and governments, complementing each other and jointly building a more favorable environment for foreign investment," said Wang.

Rooting deeper in the region

As a multinational corporation deeply rooted in the Chinese market for many years, BASF said it has benefited from the expanding reforms and opening-up policies, as well as the streamlined approval procedures in Shanghai. Those are all factors that drive the company to increased investment in the city.

"Over the years, Shanghai has consistently improved market access and provided solid policy support, which has created a favorable environment for the development of BASF in Shanghai," the company said.

According to BASF, since its inception in the 1980s in Shanghai, it has experienced rapid development and has established a widespread network in local production, market development, sales, technical services and innovation, achieving considerable economic and social results.

BASF made continuous investments in the city in recent years, even during the pandemic.

In June, BASF inaugurated the expansion of its Innovation Campus Shanghai. The expansion includes two buildings for research and development, where new facilities and laboratories will be used to advance chemical research projects and create new sustainable solutions. The company had invested a total of 280 million euros ($295 million) in the campus which opened in 2012. It completed two expansions in 2015 and 2019.

"The expansion of BASF's Innovation Campus Shanghai marks another milestone for our presence in China, the world's largest chemical market. With the continuous investments in R&D, we are committed to strengthening our local capabilities and co-creating with our customers in China, especially in fast-growing sectors, such as e-mobility, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy," said Jeffrey Lou, president and chairman of BASF Greater China.

In April, Lou was invited to attend the 2023 Shanghai Global Investment Promotion Conference, where he had in-depth discussions with government officials of Shanghai and entrepreneurs. He stressed that BASF, which enjoy benefits from the development of Shanghai, will firmly support the growth of the city.

"Shanghai boasts the headquarters of BASF Greater China. With the synergistic effect of Shanghai as a national science and technology innovation center, we will work together with global and local research institutions, academic organizations and partners to promote scientific progress. We rely on Shanghai's industry chain, customer base and industry partners in driving innovation and supporting the development of key industries in China," said Lou.

The 2023 China International Import Expo will be held from Nov 5 to 10 in Shanghai. The Invest In China Year Summit, along with the Shanghai City Promotion, will be held on Nov 5 at the CIIE to offer opportunities for global investors to explore the charm and beauty of the city. The event will attract more than 200 representatives from governments, businesses, international organizations and investment promotion agencies to attend.

Shanghai welcomes global investors to explore the charm and beauty of the city at the China International Import Expo in November. CHINA DAILY