The Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone is expected to begin operations by the end of 2025.

The 0.88-square-kilometer cooperation zone is next to Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the under-construction Shanghai East Railway Station and is poised to become one of the most internationally open districts.

Its three main functions will be:

1. Facilitating international business exchange

The zone will cater to the needs of foreign visitors staying for short-term business activities, providing convenience for meetings, negotiations, and other business events.

It will encourage headquarters, multinational companies, and international organizations to carry out cross-border business activities.

2. Supporting high-end international exhibitions

Domestic enterprises will be encouraged to collaborate with internationally renowned exhibition companies, foreign professional exhibition organizers, and international exhibition industry associations. The zone will host major international brand exhibitions and trade-related events.

Foreign organizations will be permitted to independently hold international economic and technical exhibitions, excluding those with names containing "China," "Chinese," "National," or similar terms.

3. Enhancing training services

The zone will support international training activities by universities, research institutions, multinational companies, and industry associations, both domestic and international.

It will encourage specialized training programs, including large-scale medical equipment operation and aviation simulation training.

In addition to the above core functions, the zone will offer a wide range of commercial, dining, leisure, and cultural venues and facilities. It will provide high-quality services, such as business, leisure, shopping, medical, and payment services, all in line with international standards.

There are several other policies designed to provide added convenience:

• After the pilot zone is operational, foreign nationals entering the zone from Pudong International Airport on international or regional flights will not require a Chinese visa. They will only need to present a valid invitation from the zone's general management department and undergo a verification of their international travel documents and health inspection.
• Foreign nationals carrying a reasonable amount of personal luggage into the zone will only be subject to luggage safety inspections and quarantine checks for plants and animals. No additional inspections will be conducted unless required for law enforcement purposes.
• Foreign nationals conducting business activities within the zone may stay for up to 30 days, with the option to apply for an extension if necessary.
• Foreign nationals wishing to visit other areas of China can apply for a port visa at the port visa authorities. Domestic individuals entering the zone will require permits.
  
• In addition to the streamlined entry process, Pudong International Airport will set up dedicated channels and provide shuttle services with special vehicles to transport foreign visitors from the airport to the Business Cooperation Zone.
• International travelers will reach the Business Cooperation Zone from the farthest point of the terminal in 20 minutes. The completion of Terminal 3 will reduce this time to approximately 10 minutes.
• Checked luggage will be directly delivered to the Business Cooperation Zone, and can even be delivered to the guest rooms of hotels within the zone.
• International travelers departing from the zone can complete check-in, baggage declaration, tax refunds, luggage handling, inspections, and security checks directly at the zone's inspection building.