Jing'an sets 2030 goals for two-way opening-up

Shanghai's Jing'an district has released its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for advancing high-level two-way opening-up, outlining major targets and policy priorities for trade, investment, financial services, international talent, and inbound visitor services through 2030.

Key targets by 2030

The district aims to achieve about 500 billion yuan ($73.5 billion) in total imports and exports over the five-year period, averaging 100 billion yuan annually.

It plans to add 80 to 100 regional headquarters of multinational companies and foreign-funded R&D and innovation centers.

More than 1,000 companies are expected to be included in the Free Trade Account enterprise list, while the number of departure tax refund stores is projected to exceed 1,000.

Wider market access

Jing'an will seek greater international investment in sectors including value-added telecommunications, digital services, healthcare, cultural tourism, education, esports, financial services, data intelligence, and life sciences.

The plan also supports the establishment of wholly foreign-owned medical institutions and aims to attract more international investment in high-value-added areas such as regional innovation, R&D, and corporate functions.

Supporting headquarters and reinvestment

Multinational companies will be encouraged to expand their Shanghai operations by adding functions such as R&D, treasury management, investment decision-making, procurement, distribution, and supply chain management.

Foreign-invested companies will be encouraged to reinvest profits, expand existing operations, and establish new business and management functions in Jing'an.

Cross-border finance and data services

The district will deepen Qualified Foreign Limited Partner (QFLP) and Qualified Domestic Limited Partner (QDLP) pilot programs, promote cross-border two-way RMB fund pools, and enhance services for international settlement, financing, investment, and global treasury management.

It will also explore operational guidelines and pilot policies for cross-border data transfers in key industries, while promoting the lawful, compliant, secure, and efficient flow of data across borders.

Professional services

Jing'an plans to attract more international legal, human resources, consulting, certification, and intellectual property service providers.

It will further strengthen its international legal services cluster, expand its overseas intellectual property service network, and improve one-stop support for companies expanding abroad.

Services for international visitors and talent

The district plans to streamline procedures for international talent working in China and enhance support in areas such as healthcare, housing, and daily services for eligible overseas talent.

For inbound visitors, Jing'an will expand multilingual services, bilingual signage, acceptance of overseas bank cards, Shanghai Pass and eSIM services, departure tax refund assistance, and travel information at major commercial, cultural, tourism, and hotel facilities.

Star-rated hotels will provide cash exchange change and small-value foreign currency services, while key commercial areas will strengthen consumer dispute resolution and protections for consumer rights.