While China's economic development faces challenges amid a complex international landscape, new opportunities are also emerging. As one of the world's most dynamic economies, China continues to advance high-level opening-up, offering vast development potential for multinational corporations (MNCs).
MNCs like thyssenkrupp, which have deeply engaged with the Chinese market for many years, recognize China's progress in openness and innovation. At the same time, they also note the practical needs of foreign enterprises in areas such as integrating into the local innovation ecosystem, maintaining smooth data flow, and continuously strengthening intellectual property protection, as well as professional services.
As a gateway to China's openness, and a core city for multinationals operating in China, Shanghai is leveraging institutional innovation, industrial synergy, and global resource allocation capabilities to foster a more open environment, attracting high-quality global resources and top talent.
Based on these advantages, Shanghai could make its efforts in openness and inclusiveness more perceptible, further boost MNCs' confidence and attract more foreign investment to set up regional headquarters and R&D centers. This will enable the city to set a new benchmark for international business environments, provide more efficient and convenient services for multinationals, and solidify its status as a leading global city.

Miguel Ángel López Borrego, chairman of the executive board and chief executive officer of thyssenkrupp AG

In this context, thyssenkrupp proposes the following perspectives to support Shanghai in further developing a more perceptible and open environment.
1. Make the openness of the business environment more perceptible, particularly in innovation.
At the early stage of new technologies' development, Shanghai could encourage MNCs to participate in cutting-edge technological innovation by establishing diversified market participation mechanisms and supporting the exploration of various technological pathways. For example, allow different advanced technologies to access pilot and commercial opportunities, actively invite MNCs to participate in setting standards, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation.
On the other hand, innovation relies heavily on data. Shanghai could optimize cross-border data transfer policies to facilitate the digitalization upgrade of the manufacturing sector, such as streamlining data transmission procedures and supporting the development of international cloud service providers in China.
All these efforts allow foreign businesses to experience Shanghai's openness and the welcoming environment created by its policies.
2. Strengthen intellectual property protection (IPR).
Many MNCs have R&D centers in Shanghai, with more IP-related activities throughout China. Shanghai could leverage its leading position in IP protection to improve the quality of patent applications and enhance cross-regional enforcement collaboration. For instance, utilize AI-assisted technologies to establish patent quality assessment systems that analyze innovation and practicality through machine learning.
Develop a cross-provincial and municipal infringement monitoring platform to enable rapid detection and coordinated resolution of IPR violations. This approach could help increase enforcement efficiency, lower protection costs, and ultimately foster a market environment that respects and protects innovation. Additionally, further efforts could be made to strengthen brand rights protection and promote a culture of differentiated innovation.
3. Enhance the quality of professional services.
Benchmark against other world-class global cities and align with international practices to improve services in the legal, accounting, auditing, and tech finance sectors. Explore the "Smart Professional Services +" model by applying AI to enhance service efficiency and transparency. For example, using machine learning to compare contract clauses across jurisdictions and provide timely compliance advice to foreign companies.
At the same time, Shanghai could consider developing reliable databases that integrate authoritative cases from both China and overseas, serving as solid references for these services.
This not only reduces operational costs but also showcases the international caliber of Shanghai's professional services, helping to build a strong brand image for the city in this domain.
4. Boost city appeal and "soft power."
Enhance the convenience of foreigners' work and life and strive to attract and retain top global talent. Soft power could also be strengthened through attention to detail. For example, further enhancing Shanghai's role as an international air transit hub and improving the air travel experience.
This would elevate service quality alongside infrastructure, allowing every visitor to immediately feel the city's international character and human touch upon arrival.
Shanghai already possesses a strong foundation to become a top-tier global city. Going forward, the city can further translate policy advantages into perceptible benefits for businesses.
Through institutional innovation and refined services, Shanghai is well-positioned not only to remain the top choice for multinational corporate headquarters in China but also to serve as a model of China's opening-up and international cooperation.
Source: Shanghai Daily