Shanghai is deepening its global ties through both institutional innovation and regional development. Two recent initiatives — the inauguration of the Shanghai Arbitration Commission (SHAC) European Hub in Malaga and the Hongqiao International Central Business District's (CBD) investment promotion campaign — highlight the city's growing role as a global connector for trade, law, and investment.

On October 21, the Shanghai Arbitration Commission launched its first overseas branch in Malaga, Spain — a move signaling the institution's commitment to international commercial cooperation.
The SHAC European Hub aims to provide one-stop, full-lifecycle legal and commercial support for enterprises navigating cross-border business, from dispute resolution to compliance and training.

Malaga's strategic location between Europe and Africa, its strong legal ecosystem, and the presence of international organizations create an ideal base for SHAC's global outreach. The initiative has already drawn attention from the city's leadership and international institutions, including the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, which expressed interest in future collaboration on legal professional training.

Established in 1995, SHAC is one of China's earliest international arbitration institutions, known for its diverse and global panel of arbitrators. The European Hub reinforces its mission of advancing international commercial diplomacy and promoting peaceful, rules-based global trade.

Meanwhile, the Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Business District — a key engine for the Yangtze River Delta — is accelerating its efforts to attract international investment.
At an investment promotion event on October 22, local officials introduced new opportunities for multinational enterprises across biopharma, AI, new energy, and advanced materials.

Hongqiao's economy continues to expand, with GDP surpassing RMB 200 billion in 2024 — a 67% increase since 2020. Its imports and exports have grown at an annual average of 37%, and from January to September 2025, foreign trade reached RMB 73.6 billion, up 15.6% year-on-year.

The district's connectivity is a major draw: the Hongqiao Comprehensive Transportation Hub links Shanghai with major cities across China and beyond, supporting both logistics and headquarters operations. This accessibility has helped multinational firms like South Korea's Samyang Foods expand rapidly in the Chinese market.

From legal cooperation to industrial innovation, Shanghai is strengthening its position as a hub for global engagement. The SHAC European Hub and the expanding Hongqiao CBD together reflect the city's broader strategy — to build open, service-oriented platforms that connect international talent, capital, and ideas, enabling cross-border growth grounded in professionalism and mutual trust.