In 2025, more than 6,300 foreign-funded enterprises were newly established in Shanghai.

As of the end of February 2026, Shanghai’s regional headquarters of multinational companies and foreign-funded R&D centers have reached 1,084 and 647, respectively. In 2025, Shanghai newly established more than 6,300 foreign-funded enterprises, a year-on-year increase of 6.8%.

At the certificate-awarding ceremony for the 42nd batch of multinational companies’ regional headquarters and R&D centers held on the 18th, Shanghai issued certificates to 30 regional headquarters of multinational companies and 15 foreign-funded R&D centers.

Fenia Group received an Asia-Pacific regional headquarters certificate this time.

Yang Hongyong, Global Vice President of Fenia Group, said the company plans to continue increasing its investment in China. The total amount of investment projects already approved for execution exceeds 100 million yuan RMB. The projects mainly involve gasoline direct-injection systems and alternative fuels such as methanol and ethanol.

“China is not only one of AbbVie’s most important markets globally, but also the core engine of our innovation strategy,” said Dong Lijun, General Manager of AbbVie Pharmaceutical’s China operations. “With the headquarters stepping up to a higher level, it will take on more comprehensive functions, including strategic planning, investment decision-making, capital management, R&D coordination, and regional service responsibilities. In the future, more key decisions will be made in Shanghai, and our responsiveness to the China market and our insight into local needs will be even more agile and more in-depth.”

“The global science and technology innovation R&D center of Reckitt, with a total investment of 300 million yuan RMB, is about to go into operation. This is Reckitt’s largest R&D center investment project in Asia, which will help better realize the vision of designing for Chinese consumers,” said Chen Jun, Head of Greater China Group Affairs and Sustainability Development at Reckitt. “China is one of Reckitt’s largest markets globally. Going forward, we will continue to deepen our business layout in China.”

(Xinhua News Agency)