Shanghai: Global Business & Energy Epicenter

Shanghai continues to solidify its status as a global powerhouse, with groundbreaking developments spanning international logistics, intellectual property, and sustainable energy. This dynamic metropolis is at the forefront of China's economic and ecological evolution, demonstrating its multifaceted influence on the world stage.

New Cargo Route Boosts China-France Trade

In a significant move to strengthen economic ties, China Eastern's freight subsidiary launched a direct all-cargo air route between Shanghai and Paris on November 20, 2025. Operating three weekly round trips, the service will primarily transport machinery, equipment, and apparel from China to France, while carrying chemicals and raw materials on the return journey.

This strategic connection leverages China Eastern's two decades of passenger flight experience between the cities, significantly enhancing logistics efficiency between Asia and Europe. The route arrives amid growing Chinese air cargo exports to France and steady imports, positioning Shanghai as a critical hub for deepening Sino-French trade cooperation and industrial supply chain integration.

IP Licensing Boom at Shanghai Expo

Shanghai recently hosted the record-breaking 18th China Licensing Expo (CLE), spotlighting the city's central role in the global intellectual property landscape. Covering 65,000 square meters with 566 exhibitors showcasing 2,600 IPs across 11 categories, the event highlighted China's emergence as the world's fastest-growing licensing market.

Global licensing giants like Hasbro demonstrated their commitment, with executives noting China's critical importance to their business. "We have billions of fans globally, and a big amount of that fandom is here in China," said Marianne James, Senior VP of Global Licensing at Hasbro. This surge is fueled by China's "emotional consumption" market, projected to grow at 12% annually and exceed 2 trillion yuan ($281 billion) by 2025 as young consumers invest deeply in beloved characters and stories.

Leading the Energy Transition

Shanghai's skyline now represents more than economic might—it symbolizes China's ambitious ecological transformation. At the recent "Earth-Humanity Reconciliation" conference organized by UNESCO, the Club of Rome, and Shanghai University, China's commitment to "Ecological Civilization" (生态文明) was emphasized as official policy.

While coal still provides 60% of China's electricity, renewable adoption is accelerating exponentially. Shanghai's streets now hum with electric scooters and vehicles, with cleaner air replacing historical pollution. As Ugo Bardi observed post-visit: "The only noise you hear is the humming of electric motors." China's strategic shift away from fossil fuels—driven by import costs and climate goals—positions it to potentially exceed its 2060 net-zero target, offering crucial lessons for global sustainability efforts.

"We have billions of fans globally, and a big amount of that fandom is here in China."
- Marianne James, Senior VP of Global Licensing, Hasbro

From cargo routes connecting continents to licensing deals shaping global culture and renewable energy projects redefining urban life, Shanghai demonstrates how economic growth and ecological responsibility can advance in tandem. As the city evolves, it offers a compelling model for sustainable development in the 21st century.