Shanghai's Xuhui District hosts investment promotion conference in London

LONDON, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Xuhui District of east China's Shanghai Municipality held an investment promotion conference in London on Wednesday.

During the event, the Shanghai Xuhui Overseas Investment Promotion Service Center (London, UK) was officially inaugurated.

Wang Hua, chief of Xuhui District, said the district aims to build a national artificial intelligence (AI) hub while vigorously developing key sectors such as modern commerce, cultural and creative industries, life and health, professional services, and sci-tech finance. These efforts, he said, will create new opportunities for international investors, including British companies.

Neil Semple, deputy head of Creative Industry at the UK Department for Business and Trade, said the event marked an important milestone in cooperation between London and Shanghai's Xuhui District. He noted that Xuhui has become a dynamic international center for business and creative industries. "By working together, the UK and China can create lasting value - creative, economic, and shared prosperity," he said.

Jasmine Baker, trade manager of Fintech & Enterprise at London & Partners, said British enterprises see extensive opportunities for cooperation with Xuhui District in fields such as financial services and artificial intelligence.

"Shanghai and London share a common vision for promoting economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange," she said. "Both cities have long histories as global trading hubs and continue to attract businesses and entrepreneurs from around the world."

Phil Stanbury-Jones, VP Strategy & China at Arm, a chip design company, said Xuhui District offers a strong business environment and a thriving industrial ecosystem. Arm established its wholly owned subsidiary, Arm China Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., in 2023, and has built more than 6,000 square meters of office space in Xuhui District in 2025.

Currently, more than 170 British-funded enterprises operate in Xuhui District, with total British investment reaching nearly 300 million U.S. dollars.