A delegation of international business leaders and entrepreneurs toured Shanghai's Yangpu district on Tuesday, exploring business opportunities and gaining insights into the city's development.

Hosted by the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Yangpu District People's Government, the event attracted representatives from foreign chambers of commerce, enterprises and international professionals.

Participants visited several locations in Yangpu, including a renovated historical community and Meituan, a major food delivery platform company, offering insights into the district's blend of traditional culture and modern innovation.

Jens Ewert, vice-chair of the Shanghai Chapter Board of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, highlighted Yangpu's role in innovation, green development and high-level opening-up.

"European businesses seek collaboration in tech, smart cities and green energy," said Ewert. "Many European Chamber members from the manufacturing sector have operations in Yangpu and seek deeper engagement with the local government, particularly in areas such as large-scale equipment renewal."

Long-term foreign residents also praised Shanghai's evolving ecosystem. Tanaka Toshikazu, CEO of Takumi Innovators (Shanghai) Accelerator Management Co Ltd, who has lived in Shanghai for 16 years, praised the city's inclusive environment for foreign businesses. "Shanghai is very welcoming to foreigners and international companies. It provides an excellent environment for entrepreneurs like us," he said.