JETRO Shanghai Director: Hongqiao Development Zone’s Japanese pull

(A bird’s-eye view of Hongqiao Development Zone)

Why do Japanese businesses come?

The history between Japanese companies and the Hongqiao Development Zone dates back to 1985, as the construction of the Zone is inseparable from Japanese companies. “The Sun Plaza in Hongqiao Development Zone was invested and built by the Japanese. In 1994, JETRO Shanghai also moved in from the city center. Then at the end of 1999, we moved to the current Shanghai International Trade Center,” said Michiaki.

Today, the building of the Shanghai International Trade Center is home to many Japanese organizations including JETRO Shanghai, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and Japan-China Economic Association. The clustering effect has attracted more and more Japanese companies. Michiaki told us, “The stable environment assures Japanese companies considering entering Shanghai that they can start a business in Shanghai.”

Besides the long history, another reason behind the clustering of Japanese companies in the Hongqiao Development Zone is Shanghai Hongqiao Economic & Technological Development Zone United Development Co., Ltd. (now affiliated to Shanghai Land Minhong (Group)). The company has committed itself to meeting the demands of foreign investors and constantly improving the supporting facilities in the development zone.

“The development company often exchanges opinions and cooperates with Japanese companies. Japanese restaurants can be seen everywhere and the beautiful parks are open 24 hours a day. That’s why many Japanese companies choose to set up branches or offices here. For the Japanese, life and work here are very convenient. I am looking forward to more new office buildings and better services in the future,” said Michiaki.