Döhler Opens R&D Center in Xinzhuang Industrial Zone

Döhler Opens R&D Center in Xinzhuang Industrial Zone

Döhler, a leading German food and beverage company, has opened its research and development building in Minhang District's Xinzhuang Industrial Zone, marking a major step in its strategic expansion in China.

Its R&D work will include a full range of natural ingredients and will provide more comprehensive and higher-level technical support and innovation impetus for the Chinese and Asian markets.

The new site, completed in just 10 months, has brought together laboratories for grains, dairy products, powdered flavorings, dry mixes, herbal extracts and food processing research under a single building.

The company has established a comprehensive R&D system covering the full portfolio of natural ingredients. This provides the Asia-Pacific market with more systematic, professional and forward-looking technical support and innovative solutions.

Since entering China in 1996, the group has established its first production and application center in the city. This year it was accredited as a regional headquarters by the Municipal Commission of Commerce.

Roman Kupper, president of Döhler Asia Pacific, said, "The newly established R&D center serves as our 'technological hub,' accelerating the translation of innovations into tangible outcomes, injecting fresh momentum into the enterprise, and driving synergistic development and business growth across Asian markets."

Contracts for 42 Major Projects Signed at the Empowering Industries Conference

The Minhang District Investment Promotion Conference, themed "Empowering Industries, Pioneering the Future," was held at the Hongqiao Convention Center on November 21.

Investment contracts for 42 key projects were signed at the conference.

They encompass six cutting-edge sectors: aerospace, new energy and low-carbon technologies, biopharmaceuticals, next-generation information technology, intelligent robotics and emerging consumption areas.

These initiatives closely align with Minhang's efforts to establish a modern industrial system. Together, they will further strengthen the resilience and capabilities of the regional industrial chain, injecting continuous new momentum into Minhang's high-quality development.

A representative from Baidu AI Cloud, one of the 42 key projects, stated that Minhang not only boasts a concentration of high-end manufacturing and dynamic life sciences innovation but also offers professional and efficient government services.

As Baidu's intelligent cloud platform, the company values the district's efficient administrative processes and tailored support. It is eager to utilize its advanced AI technologies to engage in Minhang's digital transformation and provide innovative solutions that will enhance the region's high-quality economic development.

The national pilot scheme for digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises was kicked off at the conference, marking a new phase in the digital development of Minhang's SMEs.

The organizers also unveiled the Yangtze River Delta Manufacturing R&D Cluster Region Development Plan during the conference.

Minhang plans to further leverage the transportation hub, overseas trade and international exhibition advantages of the Hongqiao International Central Business District to connect science and technology innovation talent with its industrial chain and supply chain systems.

The cluster region will offer 10 high-quality premises with approximately 600,000 square meters of space available for leasing.

This plan will help boost important industries like alternative energy, biomedicine, electronic information and the digital economy in the Minhang part of the Hongqiao International CBD and the Hongqiao Qianwan area.

New Blueprint for Medical Industry Cluster Revealed

Minhang District launched "The Implementation Plan for the Development of Minhang District's High-End Medical Devices Industry Cluster" in early December, rolling out a three-year roadmap to boost its high-end medical devices sector with clear objectives and focused development directions.

The plan identifies key development areas including brain-computer interface products, high-end in vitro diagnostic products and high-end implantable medical devices.

It targets over 120 new Class III medical device registrations in China by 2027 and more than 20 new overseas approvals. It aims to be home to 600 medical device companies with a combined industry value of over 22 billion yuan (US$3.12 billion).

The plan further clarifies the functional positioning of the two high-end medical clusters in the Hongqiao Qianwan area and Pujiang International Science and Technology City.

The industry cluster in Hongqiao Qianwan will be set up as a key area for "research and development, production, showcasing, training and company headquarters," and it will focus on growing environmentally friendly fields like brain-computer interfaces, high-end medical beauty products and advanced medical imaging.

Pujiang International Science and Technology City will focus on high-end manufacturing and pilot-scale conversion, prioritizing in vitro diagnostics, implantable products and other manufacturing sectors.

Minhang voted 'happiest district'

Minhang has been voted one of the "Happiest Districts" for the third consecutive year by Xinhua news agency's Oriental Outlook Magazine.

The awards ceremony of the Happy Cities Forum 2025 was held on December 9 in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Representatives of the government departments, entrepreneurs and experts from over 50 cities (districts) across the nation gathered under the theme "Implementing the People-Centered City Concept to Foster a Better, Happier Life."

They showcased vibrant practices in building joyful cities from various regions, highlighting innovative measures and notable achievements in enhancing public well-being.

The organizing committee compiled a preliminary list of candidate cities for the "2025 Happiest Cities" award by synthesizing previous years' winning city rankings with initial big data screening results.

This list encompasses 220 candidate cities and districts nationwide, including Minhang in Shanghai, Chengdu in Sichuan, and Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province. This year marks the 19th edition of the award.