Shanghai, July 15- The city has recognized the regional headquarters of the first group of 94 homegrown and foreign trading companies as the city continued its efforts to build itself into an international trading center.

The regional headquarters of the trading companies “are the main force to drive Shanghai’s construction of a world-class trading center,” said Shang Yuying, chairwoman of the Shanghai Commission of Commerce.

“The recognition is an important way to expand their influence and further attract trading companies to gather in Shanghai.”

The 94 homegrown and foreign companies are engaged in wholesale and retail, international trading, logistics and warehouse, and trading platform operation.

Ouyeel Co, Baosteel’s e-commerce platform, Shangtex Holding Co, Juneyao Airlines, Johnson & Johnson Medical (China) Ltd and L’Oreal China are among the 94 companies.

In 2015, they generated an aggregate 4.3 trillion yuan (US$643 billion) in transactions, taking up one third of the city’s total trade.