Shanghai, serving as a vital gateway for foreign businesses entering the Chinese market, has emerged as a key hub for the regional headquarters of international companies. In 2025, 44 foreign-invested headquarters received a recognition certificate from the Shanghai government, bringing the total number of foreign-invested regional headquarters in the city to 1,060. Shanghai has become one of the cities with the highest number of regional headquarters of multinational companies in China. Shanghai is a preferred choice for several reasons, including its vast market size, comprehensive industry chains, open and inclusive culture, proximity to the economically vital Yangtze River Delta and its platforms for observing and engaging with the latest research and development (R&D) activities. Meanwhile, strong policy support from the Shanghai government is also a significant advantage.
In February, the government issued a plan to encourage foreign companies to upgrade their headquarters in the city by integrating functions such as research and innovation, financial management, investment decision-making, procurement and distribution, supply chain management and shared services under one roof. A tiered system was established to nurture various types of headquarters, including China regional headquarters, Asia-Pacific regional headquarters, and global division headquarters.
Sonova, which has been operating in China for more than 20 years, considers the country one of the most strategic markets in its global landscape. In 2022, it established its China headquarters in Shanghai, a location that supports business decision-making. This year, Sonova received a recognition certificate for its China headquarters from the Shanghai government, marking a new milestone in its journey in China. “Shanghai, the core of Sonova in China, not only provides resources such as talent but also connects Sonova with the local market,” said Fang Fang, General Manager of Sonova China. “The establishment of the China headquarters has accelerated local innovation and product launches, achieving high efficiency in resource utilization.” Fang said that Shanghai offers a premium business environment, a comprehensive industry chain and a rich talent pool, making it one of the most valued cities for regional headquarters and R&D centers for foreign companies. “Shanghai boasts a large number of high-end medical professionals and advanced medical technologies, making it the most active regional medical center in China. This provides strong support for corporate innovation.”
Kerry Group, a global leader in tastes and nutrition, has been operating in Shanghai for more than 20 years. It brings in imported dairy and protein products, probiotics and natural extracts to meet the quality demands of Chinese consumers. In 2022, Kerry Group established its China headquarters in Xuhui district of Shanghai in response to its rapidly developing business. It received a recognition certificate from the Shanghai government in 2024. So far, it has established an operational network that spans China, including Jiangsu, Hebei and Shandong provinces. “Openness, innovation and inclusiveness are the defining characteristics of Shanghai and are crucial factors in supporting the development of enterprises,” said Jiang Wei, General Manager of Kerry China, as reported by the China Daily.
