Shenzhen's urban area, Futian District, has launched a three-year action plan to transform itself into an international urban core, accompanied by the establishment of two specialized service platforms and three tailored support packages for global citizens and businesses on March 19.
At Wednesday's International Urban Development Conference, the commercial heart of Shenzhen revealed its 2025-2027 roadmap featuring four major campaigns and 23 strategic initiatives. These include building an international consumption hub, enhancing livability standards, improving global connectivity, and strengthening the district's international brand identity.
Key infrastructure developments include:
1. The city's first integratedInternational Visa and Certification Service Centerat Zhongzhou Bay, combining visa processing with notarization and Hague authentication services under one roof.
2. A One-stop Platform for Enterprise Globalization Services assisting enterprises with cross-border operations, market entry, compliance management, and talent solutions.
Three signature service packages were introduced:
- Expat Convenience Package: Multilingual digital platforms and printed guides in nine languages covering essential services
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship Package: Startup support for foreign professionals
- Global Business Expansion Package: Comprehensive assistance for companies entering international markets
"This integrated initiative positions Futian as both Shenzhen's gateway for global talent and the launchpad for Chinese enterprises going overseas," said district officials during the announcement. Statistics by 2024 show Futian already hosts HQs of 25 multinational corporations and 2,325 foreign-funded enterprises.
Benny, an English expat who has been living in Shenzhen for over nine years, compliments the thoughtful design of the package. "The key takeaway is that the Futian (district) government is quite proactive in providing all kinds of information that can help foreigners to settle down in Shenzhen, whether it's about life, work, or business."
"It makes us feel at home," said Don Rechtman, an American art teacher and composer who has lived in Shenzhen for 14 years. He used the keywords "dynamic," "beautiful," and "humane" to describe Futian District. As an artist himself, he regards Shenzhen not just as a city, but as a giant hub that happens to host people from around the world with the aggregation of cultural foundations.