On September 29, the Shanghai Putuo District Investment Promotion Conference (Germany) was held in Berlin. During the event, Putuo engaged in exchanges and collaborations with representatives from German companies, associations, and institutions in fields such as biomedical sciences, new energy, intelligent manufacturing, and technology innovation investment. Discussions centered on cooperation opportunities and shared prospects for a promising future. Distinguished guests in attendance included Hu Guangjie, Secretary of the Putuo District Committee; Chen Linhao, Minister-Counselor for Science and Technology of the Chinese Embassy in Germany; and Dennis Buchner, Vice President of the Berlin State Parliament.
In his speech, Hu Guangjie reviewed the positive momentum of high-level exchanges between China and Germany. He pointed out that Putuo District is currently focusing on supporting the development of the industrial innovation corridor along the Shanghai-Nanjing axis, strengthening bulk commodity trading platforms, and advancing urban renewal to accelerate the creation of a new highland for high-level opening up. At present, 40 German companies and over 330 European foreign-invested enterprises have established a presence in Putuo. Companies such as Rhenus Automotive and Deutz have set up multinational headquarters in the district. “We look forward to deepening cooperation with Germany in areas such as industrial digitalization, green trade, and urban design, aiming to ignite more sparks by combining ‘German precision’ with ‘China speed’,” he said.
Dennis Buchner, Vice President of the Berlin State Parliament, stated in his speech that Berlin, as an engine of innovation in Europe, is actively advancing energy transition, digital healthcare, and sustainable development. These priorities align closely with the industrial directions of Shanghai’s Putuo District. “Germany-China cooperation is a win-win choice,” he said. “Berlin is willing to strengthen corporate exchanges, technological collaboration, and talent interaction with Putuo to jointly explore new pathways for future urban and industrial development.”
The promotion event highlighted Putuo’s cluster advantages in sectors such as biomedicine and new energy. Sebastian Hüser, Policy Director of the German Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BPI), noted that there is broad potential for collaboration between BPI’s over 260 pharmaceutical companies and Putuo in areas like generic drugs, biosimilars, and green pharmaceutical technologies. He expressed hope for in-depth exchanges between the two sides on policy alignment, technology transfer, and market access.
During the event, two companies from Putuo delivered roadshow presentations on low-altitude economy and smart home technologies, respectively, showcasing the dynamism of Chinese enterprises in technological application and scenario innovation, which sparked strong interest among German companies.
Representatives from German organizations including INFRAWIND Eurasia Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Association, DOS Renewable Energy Consulting, Blue Electricity Company, M2PTC Pharmaceutical Technology Consulting, as well as institutions such as MITI Innovation Promotion Association, SEICON Energy Investment, and Berliner Volksbank, expressed their commitment to actively engage with Putuo’s industrial resources and explore opportunities for technology implementation and joint market development.
The promotion event was organized by the Shanghai Putuo District Investment Promotion Office and hosted by Shanghai Creative City Technology Development Co., Ltd. It was co-organized by the German Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BPI) and the German INFRAWIND Eurasia Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Association, with strong support from the German Trade & Invest (GTAI) and the German Association for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (BVMW). The event not only strengthened the city-to-city ties between Putuo and Berlin but also injected new momentum into practical cooperation between Chinese and German enterprises in fields such as technology innovation, energy, and health.
Attendees included Bettina Henning, Senior Advisor for Foreign Trade at the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy, and Public Enterprises; Özkan Mutlu, former member of the German Federal Parliament and President of the Berlin Association for Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports; Sebastian Hüser, Policy Director of the German Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BPI); and Li Yu, Vice Chairman of the German INFRAWIND Eurasia Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Association, among others.
During his visit, Hu Guangjie traveled to the United Kingdom and Germany, leading a delegation to meet with companies and research institutions such as Merlin Entertainments Group, ProLogis (UK), Value Retail (Europe), the London Metal Exchange, ICBC Standard, Air One Aviation Group, Euref, and Deutz. He engaged in thorough discussions with these organizations on topics including technological innovation, talent recruitment, and industrial development. Additionally, an overseas investment promotion collaboration point was inaugurated at the ProLogis London office, and a cooperation agreement was signed under the witness of ICBC Standard.
With the implementation of each itinerary, the opening of one door after another, and the signing of numerous agreements, Putuo’s circle of friends continues to expand, fostering an ever-growing network of partnerships. This visit has advanced all-round, multi-faceted economic and trade exchanges and cooperation, facilitating the flow of information and resource sharing. It has contributed to enhancing Putuo’s influence and attracting foreign investment, adding yet another chapter to the region’s high-quality economic development.
Editor: Wu Xingting