Business zone to deepen intl cooperation

Foreigners from countries who have valid invitations will be able to enter Shanghai's future Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone without visas or other permits and stay for up to 30 days per entry, with the option to apply for extensions if needed, officials said on Friday.

In addition to the 30-day policy, inbound visitors can also benefit from existing visa-free policies when traveling from the business cooperation zone to Shanghai and the surrounding areas. People already in China may enter the zone by applying for a relevant pass, said Wu Qunfeng, deputy director of the zone's administrative office, at a news conference.

Occupying a planned area of 880,000 square meters, the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone borders Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the east and Shanghai East Railway Station to the south. The eastern section of the area has been designated as the pilot launch zone.

The municipal government unveiled a set of administrative measures for the zone on Tuesday, which took effect on Aug 1. The State Council, China's Cabinet, had given its principal approval of the zone's general development plan in February 2024, Wu said.

According to the official timeline, the pilot launch zone will be ready for closed operation by the end of this year, with basic functions in place. By 2028, the full business cooperation area is expected to achieve closed-loop operation and complete key infrastructure projects. The entire zone is slated for full completion by 2030.

"The future business cooperation zone is positioned to become a new platform for international business exchange, a new hub for the convergence of global resources and services, and a new nexus for advancing integration in the Yangtze River Delta," Wu said.

He added that the zone will serve three core functions: facilitating international business exchange, supporting high-end exhibitions and events, and enhancing the quality of professional training services.

The administrative measures consist of 30 articles across eight chapters covering general provisions, governance structure, functional positioning, personnel management, goods and baggage control, support services, integrated safeguards and supplementary provisions, said Zhang Jie, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.

Zhang said the new zone will be among China's most open areas. Multinational companies, international institutions and enterprises are encouraged to conduct cross-border business in the zone. Foreign organizations will be able to independently host international exhibitions. Professional training activities — such as those involving medical equipment operations, aviation simulations and specialized maintenance — will also be supported, along with high-level international conferences.

To improve mobility, authorities have introduced innovative management measures for the movement of people, baggage and goods in and out of the zone.

Zhang Yi, deputy head of Shanghai Customs, said the zone will serve as a pilot ground for intelligent technologies.

"Meeting the highest international standards, digital and smart technologies will be applied to streamline customs procedures and provide more efficient and user-friendly clearance services," Zhang Yi said.

Zhang Jie added that developing the Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone is a key strategic mission assigned to Shanghai by the central government.

"The zone is part of efforts to serve China's new development pattern, promote high-level opening-up and further enhance Shanghai's role as a global center for the economy, finance, trade, shipping, and science and technology innovation," he said.