In the first half of 2025, Qingpu District achieved a GDP growth rate of 9.3percent, ranking first in Shanghai, revealed DistrictDirectorJin Xiaoming at the recent Yangtze River Delta Ecologyand GreeneryIntegrationDemonstration Zone Developer Conference.

As a pilot zone of the demonstration area, Qingpu is building a regional integrated "innovation testing ground." It has advanced 50 reform and innovation initiatives, efficiently supported the smooth operation of Huawei’s Lianqiu Lake R&D Center, hosted the Hisilicon Innovation Conference, and integrated 440 services at the Xicen International Talent Hub. The Zhangjiang Xicen Park is currently applying to become a cross-provincial national high-tech zone.

The Hongqiao International Open Hub is becoming a "vibrant gateway" with global connectivity,focusing on sectors such as exhibitions, corporate global expansion, fashion consumption, and tech innovation.Midea’s Global Innovation Center has been launched, Anta’s Shanghai headquarters completed, and Bosideng’s Shanghai headquarterskicked offconstruction. In the first half of the year, Qingpu’s Hongqiao area ranked first among Hongqiao’s four sectors in growth rates for industrial output, commercial sales, and software information services, Jin said.

Qingpu New City is positioning itself as the "first stop in Shanghai for Yangtze River Delta enterprises." The 3-square-kilometer core area of the Central Business District is accelerating its development. A special conference on the development of Qingpu New City was held in July, focusing on sectors such as new-generation information technology, Huawei’s ecosystem chain, and headquarters economy. Forty projects have already been signed.

In the first half of the year, the new-generation information technology industry reached a scale of 45.6 billion yuan(US$6.39 billion), growing by 32.9percent. Modern logistics revenue hit 190.2 billion yuan, up 16.9percent, while high-end equipment manufacturing output reached 42.08 billion yuan, anincrease of 17.6percent, according to Jin.

Innovation carriers such as Fudan University National Science Park, Fudan Future Technology School, and theStateKey Laboratory for Water Pollution Control and GreenResourceRecycling are rapidly clustering. The intensity of R&D expenditure across society rose to 4.53percent, PCT patent applications increased by 18percent, and talent settlement grew by 33.5percent.

Jin emphasized Qingpu’s commitment to an ecology-first approach, enhancing the city’s livability. This year, Qingpu has partnered with institutions like Shanghai High School, Shanghai International Studies University, and Shanghai Normal University to establish high-quality schools. The Zhongshan Hospital National Medical Center, with a total investment of 3.5 billion yuan, achieved structural topping out in March. The Children’s Hospital Demonstration Zone Medical Center has been approved and launched, with construction set to begin within the year.