The City of Shanghai lies on the western coast of the Pacific Ocean and at the central section of the north-south coastline of China. The population of Shanghai is 19,213,200. Based on total administrative area population, Shanghai is the third largest of the four direct-controlled municipalities of the People’s Republic of China, after Chongqing and Beijing.

Shanghai is the commercial and financial centre of mainland China. It was the largest and most prosperous city in the Far East during the 1930s, and rapid re-development began in 1990s. This is exemplified by the Pudong District, which became a pilot area for integrated economic reforms.

Today, Shanghai is again one of the most galvanic cities in the world. Its cosmopolitan character, sophisticated and affluent consumers, and highly educated skilled labor force make it highly attractive to overseas investors. Shanghai has recorded double-digit growth for 15 consecutive years since 1992 to become the center of finance and trade in new China. Shanghai is now aiming to be a global finance hub and international shipping center in the near future.