IFZA, one of the world’s leading Free Zones for company incorporation and business growth, has opened its first representative office in Shanghai, marking a major milestone in its global expansion strategy and reinforcing its commitment to the Chinese market.
The launch event took place at the Shanghai Jing’An InterContinental Hotel, gathering senior IFZA leadership, Chinese officials, UAE government representatives and business leaders. The ceremony featured a welcome address by Jochen Knecht, CEO of IFZA, Ms Xu Jiao, Deputy Director of Development and Reform Commission of Jinng’An and His Excellency Muhannad Sulaiman Al Naqbi, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in Shanghai, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a panel discussion on cross-border business expansion, and a media roundtable.
Acting as a gateway between China and the UAE, IFZA’s presence in China will connect Chinese entrepreneurs with Dubai’s thriving business ecosystem, offering seamless company incorporation and access to its global network of partners.
The opening of the Shanghai office follows IFZA’s recent participation in the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) World Congress 2025 in Hainan, highlighting its ongoing commitment to advancing global entrepreneurship and trade collaboration.
In 2024, bilateral trade between the UAE and China reached a record USD 101.8 billion, reflecting steady growth over the past decade. Today, the UAE stands as China’s second-largest trading partner in the Middle East, while China remains the UAE’s largest trading partner globally, underscoring the strength and depth of their economic relationship.
With more than 200 attendees, the event highlighted IFZA’s role as a bridge between two of the world’s most dynamic economies. Through this milestone, IFZA continues to build bridges that drive growth, innovation, and opportunity between China, the UAE, and the wider global business community.