Core Points - The eighth China International Import Expo is being prepared, with significant progress reported in foreign investment in Shanghai during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [1] - Shanghai has attracted over 100 billion USD in actual foreign investment, showcasing its growing appeal to multinational companies [1] - As of September this year, Shanghai has recognized 1,060 regional headquarters of multinational companies and 631 foreign-funded research and development centers, indicating a strengthening of investment decision-making, R&D innovation, and financial management functions [1]

Core Insights - Shanghai maintains its position as the city with the highest concentration of regional headquarters for multinational companies in mainland China, with a total of 1,060 recognized headquarters and 631 foreign R&D centers as of September this year, marking an increase of 44 and 40 from the end of last year respectively [1] Group 1: Multinational Companies in Shanghai - The city has implemented measures to support the enhancement of multinational company headquarters, establishing a four-tier cultivation framework: nurturing headquarters, China regional headquarters, Asia-Pacific headquarters, and global division headquarters [2] - Decathlon has been in Shanghai for over 30 years and has established several companies, with two recognized as regional headquarters for China [1][2] - RAPA Group, a German family-owned enterprise, entered the Chinese market in 2020 and is preparing to establish a regional headquarters in Shanghai [2][3] Group 2: Economic Growth and Projections - RAPA Group's revenue in China increased from 5.39 million yuan in 2022 to an expected 430 million yuan this year, with projections to exceed 800 million yuan next year, indicating a potential 150-fold increase in five years [3] - Shanghai's government emphasizes its status as a global trade hub and international consumption center, attracting international investors and enhancing the city's open economy [3]