On Oct. 14, a delegation led by Jareer Jadallah, Sales Director of the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) in Dubai, visited Shanghai’s Lin-gang Special Area, reinforcing the area’s role as a strategic gateway for international economic and trade cooperation. The visit underscores Lin-gang’s growing appeal to global investors and enterprises seeking access to China’s dynamic markets and integrated industrial ecosystem.

For local entrepreneurs like Zheng Huizhe, founder of Shanghai Ousikesi Software Information Co. Ltd, the area’s concentration of high-quality talent and industrial partners was decisive. “In Lin-gang, we are no longer fighting alone,” Zheng said, highlighting how the industrial cluster effect reduces communication and logistics costs by connecting upstream and downstream partners efficiently.

Lin-gang’s appeal is particularly evident in sectors such as new energy vehicles (NEVs). Ousikesi, a middleware provider for automotive software, benefits from the area’s comprehensive NEV industry chain, which includes leading players like CATL. Innovation-driven infrastructure, such as the Dishui Lake AI Innovation Hub Sci-Tech Community, spans 750,000 square meters, hosting over 400 enterprises and more than 10,000 professionals, alongside lifestyle amenities including international schools, theatres, fitness centers, and residential options, forming a fully integrated “5-minute work-life circle.”

The Innovation Cube Towers further anchor Lin-gang’s global positioning, hosting top-tier research institutions, innovation platforms, and public service platforms. The area has implemented a full-chain incubation system, generating 166 pioneering innovation cases, 79 of which are national firsts, across offshore trade, cross-border finance, and healthcare. To attract talent, Lin-gang offers policies that reduce entrepreneurial and living costs, supporting young professionals in establishing and scaling businesses.

During the visit, IFZA representatives reviewed the “Going Global” Comprehensive Service Platform, which provides foreign governments, business associations, and enterprises with policy consultation, project matchmaking, and business negotiation support. Jadallah emphasized IFZA’s strategic position across the Middle East, Panama, and other regions, expressing intent to deepen collaboration with Lin-gang to strengthen China-UAE economic and trade exchanges.

With its combination of industrial clustering, innovation infrastructure, talent-focused policies, and international cooperation platforms, the Lin-gang Special Area positions itself as a strategic gateway for global enterprises seeking access to China’s markets and integrated business ecosystem.