Minhang Secures Record Deals at 8th CIIE

At the eighth China International Import Expo held from November 5-10, record numbers of partnerships were signed by companies from Minhang, as the district has prioritized national strategic interests to create a new development paradigm where innovation and openness empower each other.

The district's industrial ecosystem, comprehensive infrastructure and open market environment continue to attract foreign investment, making it a popular location for multinational corporations' regional headquarters and manufacturing or supply chain bases.

Minhang added 15 foreign-funded functional units, including six multinational corporate regional headquarters and nine R&D centers, from January to October. The neighborhood remains one of Shanghai's largest, with 76 regional headquarters and 108 foreign-funded R&D centers.

'Going Global' alliance

It has created a service infrastructure to help local businesses become global.

The Minhang Enterprise "Going Global" Service Alliance includes 35 government, finance, legal and other professional service institutions.

Fung Retailing Group Managing Director Sabrina Fung said, "As alliance members, we will collaborate with Minhang to make our firms' worldwide expansion more solid and far-reaching."

Since the inaugural CIIE, the Minhang delegation has achieved a cumulative procurement transaction value of US$6.61 billion, surpassing the US$1 billion threshold for four consecutive years. This year's figure reached the record US$1.087 billion on the opening day.

Hongqiao Pinhui hosted a high-level exchange meeting on the Minhang's high-quality open development on November 5. The conference saw 16 foreign and local companies sign purchase intent contracts, including Estée Lauder Companies, Huizhan International Trading Co. and Straumann Group.

Minhang-based Volant's contracts with aircraft leasing companies and general aviation service providers comprise 95 aircraft and 2.375 billion yuan (US$334.35 million). It received the fourth commercial confirmation order for high-grade commercial passenger eVTOLs and tens of millions of yuan in deposits.

Its partnership with China Flying Dragon General Aviation includes a purchase order for 30 VE25-100 Tianxing aircraft and eVTOL pilot training and operating capability.

It also joins with Xibaike Technology (Suzhou) Co to deliver high-quality, efficient and environmentally friendly composite material solutions for airplane structures and interiors.

Straumann

The Straumann Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, has participated in the CIIE for five consecutive years as a global leader in implant and aesthetic dentistry.

This year, it featured technological advances in implantology, restorative dentistry, periodontology and digital solutions, as well as dental aesthetics and oral health solutions for the elderly.

Straumann booth staff used digital dental impression scanners. AI algorithms have sped up the modeling process from days to seconds.

In 2024, Straumann's China market generated 3.2 billion yuan, up 52 percent year-over-year. China now generates 16 percent of the group's revenue, its fastest-growing region.

Straumann signed an investment agreement with Minhang's Xinzhuang Industrial Park to establish its first campus in China, comprising a manufacturing, education and innovation center at one site.

The first phase of the construction began in September 2022, device validation began in March 2024, and it received the first Class III medical device registration certificate in June 2025.

The China campus will offer educational programs and products from the group's implant and orthodontics portfolio to meet the dentists' and patients' growing dental needs with an investment of up to 1.2 billion yuan by 2029.

Jungheinrich

Jungheinrich, a leading supplier of industrial trucks, warehousing and intralogistics, has been participating in the CIIE for eight years.

This year, one of its highlights was the Jungheinrich SMART Plus interactive zone.

Through modular design and simulation technology, this area allowed visitors to experience the rapid deployment and efficient simulation operation of automated warehouse systems on-site.

Customers can manage automated project lifecycles with the upgraded SMART Plus 2.0 system, which integrates software, hardware and data.

It optimizes equipment parameters and inventory strategies in response to changes in orders. Through data collection and analysis, enterprises can achieve predictive maintenance and efficient operations with visualized operational reports.

The company has leveraged the CIIE to complete its transformation from a traditional forklift manufacturer into a provider of intelligent logistics system solutions.

It formed a strategic partnership with Minhang-based ZS Robotics to develop automated warehouse and intelligent logistics solutions and expand into international markets to set a global smart logistics benchmark.

Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder's CIIE pavilion showcased innovative design and interactive experiences, allowing visitors to experience pioneering achievements in dermatological science, AI-powered beauty, fragrance science and sustainable development.

Over 100 new products, including global and China premieres, and interactive experiences were at the booth.

Participants were immersed in technology and beauty through product trials, digital product demonstrations, academic sharing sessions, beauty showcases and professional networking.

A custom AI-powered skin analysis device helped visitors assess their skin. In seconds, users received an intuitive "skin health report" assessing their skin.

President and CEO of Estée Lauder Companies' China, Joy Fan, said: "We shall continue to leverage the CIIE as a platform to deepen local research and development alongside technological innovation. We maintain our long-term commitment by offering products and services tailored to Chinese consumers' changing needs."

P&G

With seven years of expo experience, Procter & Gamble has brought nearly 100 premium exhibits across nine major categories under over 20 brands. These include several important new products debuting in China and at the expo.

From laundry care to personal well-being, Procter & Gamble showcased a wide range of innovative products that are bought by the general public in everyday life.

OLAY's Ultra Red Bottle Oil Cream Edition, based on research on Asian women's skin, made its debut here and is intended for northern China's dry climate. Head & Shoulders launched its first selenium disulfide anti-dandruff shampoo for Chinese scalps to address consumers' dandruff issues.

It also updated its green and energy-saving "Mission 2030" initiative and showcased the latest environmental practices in operations, products, and industry collaboration.

According to Jasmine Xu, Chairman and CEO of P&G China, the China International Import Expo provides valuable insights into Chinese consumers and lifestyle trends, in addition to showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovative products.

Bayer

Bayer Consumer Health partnered Shanghai MATWINGS Technology at the CIIE to advance AI technology in scientific research, new product development and translational research.

A new artificial intelligence-driven research and development engine is being developed by Bayer Consumer Health to lead industry innovation through strategic initiatives.

The two parties will continue to apply intelligent protein molecular design and bio-manufacturing innovations to digestive and skin health, advancing artificial intelligence in personalized health management and self-care.

Bayer aims to improve consumers' health by developing AI-powered solutions and positioning AI as their daily health management advisor. This will make health management easier and more scientific.

According to Richard He, General Manager of Bayer Consumer Health China, AI is transforming the healthcare industry. Bayer Consumer Health aims to invest more in AI-driven healthcare, focusing on intelligent R&D and consumer health management.

"We aim to expand the application boundaries of AI within the consumer health sector, collectively driving the intelligent and precision-oriented transformation of the consumer health industry," He said.

Hong Liang, chief scientist of MATWINGS and professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, said the company will combine its strengths in artificial intelligence, synthetic biology and biopharmaceuticals with Bayer's life sciences insights and industrialization capabilities.

Medtronic

The CIIE featured technology innovations, new products and a lineup of Minhang-based multinationals.

To promote high-quality development and co-creation, some exhibitors partnered with Minhang-based companies.

Medtronic, one of the world's largest medical device companies, presented over 500 innovative products and treatments at this event, with over 70 making their market debuts.

According to Medtronic China vice president of corporate affairs and communications Cao Shan, these flagship exhibits have become commercial products that benefit many Chinese patients.

Real-time closed-loop adjustment helps treat chronic pain with the rechargeable Inceptiv spinal cord stimulator. The facility opened in Asia to huge crowds.

The latest option for chronic pain and painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients, this lightweight and convenient stimulator weighs 29 grams and measures 6 millimeters. It has an indefinite lifespan.

Time called it one of the "Best Innovations of 2024" and awarded it the 2025 Edison Prize for "Chronic Conditions Treatment Solutions."