In the past, Shanghai companies often ventured alone to international trade fairs—facing high costs, complex logistics, and significant risks. Today, that burden is easing thanks to the city’s “百展千企 沪连全球” (“100 Exhibitions, 1,000 Enterprises”) initiative, which sends government-led delegations abroad, subsidizes booth fees, and streamlines procedures for both people and products crossing borders. From August 13 to 15, more than 30 Shanghai enterprises in the new energy and low-altitude economy sectors will join the 2025 Indonesia International Emergency Disaster Reduction and Rescue Expo in Jakarta. With a total exhibition area of 700 square meters, this “Shanghai contingent” will mark the official launch of the program, signaling a new era of coordinated, brand-focused global outreach for the city’s foreign trade.
Shanghai Chuanfei Technology CEO Li Qiang is preparing to showcase his company’s full supply chain of low-altitude economy drone solutions at the Jakarta expo. “In the past, going alone to overseas trade fairs was expensive and risky. Now, with the government leading the delegation and offering booth subsidies, it’s much easier,” he said.
According to the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce (SMCC), this support is part of a strategy that links government coordination with market-driven operations. In cooperation with the Shanghai Council for the Promotion of International Trade and exhibition organizers, SMCC has published a list of 200 recommended overseas exhibitions this year.
Data shows that in the first half of 2025, Shanghai organized 445 companies to participate in 104 overseas exhibitions, covering 6,157 square meters. At the Peru Auto Parts Expo in May, Shanghai Xiangjun Pneumatic Engineering Co., which manufactures gas springs for vehicles and construction machinery, met over 10 prospective buyers in just three days—far exceeding expectations.
“Going abroad as an industry group means the local government takes you more seriously,” said Xiangjun’s general manager Wang Qihui. “In Peru, we received better visa support, booth setup assistance, and shared customer resources. A complete supply chain display gives us stronger bargaining power.” Encouraged by those results, the company will also join the Jakarta delegation.
Beyond Exhibitions: Building a Permanent Overseas Presence
While trade fairs open doors, many Shanghai enterprises are now taking the next step—香港公司注册 (overseas company registration)—to establish a permanent foothold in target markets. By setting up subsidiaries or representative offices abroad, companies can simplify local hiring, manage distribution channels directly, and respond faster to client needs. SMCC officials note that registering an overseas entity often helps secure local bank accounts, participate in government procurement projects, and gain tax or import incentives. Combined with the “delegation tactic,” overseas company registration gives Shanghai businesses both short-term visibility at exhibitions and long-term operational advantages in their chosen markets.
SMCC Deputy Director You Yongsheng noted that Shanghai’s goods exports in the first half of 2025 reached 952.87 billion yuan, up 11.2% year-on-year—4 percentage points higher than the national average. In the second half, the city plans to send 1,388 enterprises to 101 overseas exhibitions, focusing on 15 key events aligned with Shanghai’s strengths in products and industries. These trips will combine trade shows with brand promotion, client visits, and institutional networking to expand global market presence.
Observers note that the “delegation tactic” is transforming Shanghai’s foreign trade ecosystem from fragmented, one-off participation to coordinated, sustained brand-building abroad. Instead of chasing trade fairs individually, companies are now leveraging government-backed platforms to increase orders, enhance visibility, and establish a long-term overseas presence.
