The Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Business District is creating a new model for global expansion by bringing Chinese and foreign companies together to explore overseas markets.
Instead of companies expanding independently, Hongqiao encourages partnerships that combine Chinese firms' innovation and manufacturing strengths with multinational companies' global networks, compliance expertise and market access.
In the biopharmaceutical sector, Innovent Biologics has built its innovation hub in Hongqiao as a platform connecting research, clinical development and commercialization.
Through its partnership with Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the two companies jointly develop innovative medicines, and share costs and overseas revenues, while using Takeda's international distribution network to reach global markets.
Medical device maker Wego Group has also established a service base in Hongqiao to help smaller companies expand abroad by providing access to legal, tax, certification and regulatory support.
Foreign companies are playing an increasingly important role as well. Wolters Kluwer offers AI-powered compliance tools that help Chinese businesses manage legal and regulatory risks overseas.
German e-commerce company Otto Group helps Chinese brands better enter European markets, while Bosch and Antolin support Chinese automakers with advanced technologies and products for global markets.
These collaborations are supported by the Hongqiao Overseas Development Service Center, which has gathered more than 700 professional service providers since its launch in 2024. In the first half of 2026, it organized 161 overseas expansion events attended by more than 14,000 participants from over 7,300 companies.
