On March 25, the 2025 Shanghai Global Investment Promotion Conference opened its doors, bringing together international business leaders, policymakers, and investors eager to tap into the city's evolving industrial landscape. Under the theme “Global Vision, Shanghai Opportunities,”the event reaffirmed Shanghai's role as a magnet for global capital and a driving force of technological innovation.

A Blueprint for Industry and Investment

At the heart of this year's conference was the unveiling of the 2025 Shanghai Key Industry Layout Map, a strategic roadmap highlighting the city's focus on high-value industries. The plan outlines Shanghai's ambition to expand in critical sectors such as biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, high-end equipment, and green low-carbon technologies. To support this vision, the city has designated 14 district-level industrial clusters, each designed to accelerate the development of specialized industries and attract global investors.

Shanghai's industrial growth is already evident in the rise of four trillion-yuan-level industrial clusters, including electronics and information technology, automobiles, high-end equipment, and software and information services. In 2024, Shanghai's electronics and IT sector alone surpassed 1.2 trillion yuan ($167 billion USD), a testament to the city's technological strength and economic dynamism.

Global Collaboration: Connecting Capital with Innovation

The conference also served as a powerful catalyst for international collaboration, drawing over 500 multinational corporations and investment institutions, including Bosch, BASF, Sanofi, and Nike. These companies engaged in targeted dialogues aimed at aligning Shanghai's industrial ambitions with global business strategies. Roundtable discussionstailored for private enterprises, foreign companies, and state-owned firms provided an exclusive forum for exchanging insights on investment policies, regulatory support, and emerging market opportunities.

A defining feature of this year's event was the introduction of real-time project matchmaking sessions, which facilitated direct engagement between investors and Shanghai's industrial leaders. Across more than 30 specialized events, participants explored opportunities in Shanghai's rapidly expanding business ecosystem, deepening cross-border partnerships and accelerating investment decisions.

Financial Commitments to Drive Industrial Transformation

Shanghai's commitment to industrial modernization was further reinforced by the announcement of two major funds: a 500 billion yuan Industrial Transformation and Upgrade Fundand a 500 billion yuan State-Owned Asset Merger Fund. These financial mechanisms will provide critical capital to fuel innovation and reinforce Shanghai's leadership in high-tech manufacturing and sustainable development. Additionally, the conference introduced 21 key investment projectsfocused on advanced materials, high-end equipment, and green technologies, reflecting the city's dedication to fostering a future-ready industrial base.

A Global Endorsement: Shanghai's Rising Influence

Shanghai's growing stature as a global business hub was underscored by industry leaders who have chosen the city as a strategic base for their operations. Judy Marks, Chair and CEO of Otis, highlighted Shanghai's significance not only as the home of Otis China's headquarters but also as a critical global R&D center. Such endorsements from world-renowned corporations signal confidence in Shanghai's business environment, infrastructure, and long-term growth potential.