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Shanghai Certifies 30 HQs Amid Declining Foreign Investment

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

On March 19, 2026, Shanghai certified 30 new regional headquarters and 15 R&D centers for multinational corporations, reflecting continued interest in the city despite declining foreign direct investment (FDI).
Eight of the certified companies are on the Fortune 500 list, with others in key sectors like biopharmaceuticals and integrated circuits.
Shanghai has hosted a total of 1,084 regional headquarters and 647 R&D centers for overseas firms.
The municipal government aims to restore investor confidence as FDI has decreased for three consecutive years, including a 9.5% drop in 2025 after a 24.7% decline in 2024.

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Story summary

On March 19, 2026, Shanghai certified 30 new regional headquarters and 15 R&D centers for multinational corporations, reflecting continued interest in the city despite declining foreign direct investment (FDI).
Eight of the certified companies are on the Fortune 500 list, with others in key sectors like biopharmaceuticals and integrated circuits.
Shanghai has hosted a total of 1,084 regional headquarters and 647 R&D centers for overseas firms.
The municipal government aims to restore investor confidence as FDI has decreased for three consecutive years, including a 9.5% drop in 2025 after a 24.7% decline in 2024.