Hongqiao is providing a road map for enterprises to go global. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]
Shanghai's Hongqiao International Central Business District or CBD is emerging as a dual hub — linking the international expansion of businesses with the settlement there of foreign professionals.
Its Overseas Development Service Center and International Talents Service Center are working together to provide close coordinated support.
At the Overseas Development Service Center, business enterprises use AI tools like Aura Touzi Quna to select overseas locations in under a minute.
Since August, the system has covered over 100 countries, generating reports on policies, logistics and services. The center also connects companies with more than 500 professional partners.
In 2025, 87 enterprises received tailored support, including recovering $700,000 in unpaid orders.
Nearby, the International Talents Service Center streamlines residence, visa, and driving permit applications. The procedures now take just three days, with 24-hour self-service for urgent matters.
Smart machines process Hong Kong and Macao visas in a mere three minutes. Services also cover housing, education and healthcare — benefiting over 15,000 expat professionals since March 2025.
Work gets underway at the Hongqiao International Talents Service Center. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]
The synergies of the dual centers support global business cases. Chenglian Bangzhong Technology uses a 1:817 staffing model for efficiency. Chen Xianggui Lanzhou Beef Noodle opened its first Berlin outlet, leveraging both centers.
Elsewhere, an Anhui auto-parts joint venture in Accra, the capital of Ghana in West Africa, combines local production with global sales.
By integrating technology, professional networks and cross-border facilitation, the Hongqiao CBD links domestic and international cycles.
This enables Chinese enterprises to expand abroad while attracting global talent, forming a model for coordinated international growth.
