On Dec. 6th, Shanghai announced the launch of “Asia-Pacific operator project” to develop certain enterprises in Shanghai Free Trade Zones from branch offices into Asia-Pacific headquarters with such functions as logistics, marketing and fund settlement in the coming three years.

According to the Regulations on Promoting the Construction of Shanghai International Trade Center (draft) recently approved by Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress, enterprises at home and abroad are encouraged to set up managerial and commercial head offices in Shanghai engaged in distribution, logistics, marketing, procurement, brand building and fund settlement. The accredited head offices are entitled to enjoy preferential treatment in Customs clearance, talent recruitment, fund settlement, investment and visa application.

Authorized by their parent companies, the enterprises put forward positioning and development plans of Asia-Pacific headquarters and the government issues customized policies. According to mutual negotiation, the two sides sign strategic cooperative agreements.