Pakistani entrepreneur to expand business in Shanghai’s Lin-gang

Pakistani entrepreneur to expand business in Shanghai’s Lin-gang as he highlighted the region’s significance in driving trade.

In the thriving free trade zone of Shanghai’s Lin-gang Special Area, 27-year-old Zhou Zihan, a Pakistani entrepreneur, is gearing up to start his business. He emphasized that setting up a company in Lin-gang offers seamless access to both domestic and global markets, along with enhanced efficiency in cross-border trade.

Zhou, currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Relations at East China Normal University, comes from a family deeply rooted in Pakistan’s textile industry. Since 2001, his family has partnered with multiple Chinese firms to provide textile machinery, digital printing equipment, and related solutions to Pakistan’s textile sector. Looking to expand further, he plans to establish a trading company in Shanghai to connect Chinese manufacturers with Pakistani buyers.

Highlighting Lin-gang’s appeal, Zhou noted its strong presence of high-tech enterprises, abundant innovation resources, and well-developed international legal and financial services. These factors, combined with the region’s openness and business-friendly policies, played a crucial role in his decision to set up operations there.

Although he had long considered launching a business in Shanghai, Zhou initially hesitated due to the complexities of starting a company in a foreign country. As an international student, he faced additional uncertainties, particularly regarding visa regulations. However, after consulting the relevant authorities, he learned about the possibility of switching from a student visa to an entrepreneurship visa, making his business ambitions more feasible.

A significant turning point came in November 2023 when Zhou attended the “Connecting the World, Embracing Lin-gang” event, which introduced international students from Shanghai universities to opportunities in the Lin-gang New Area. His first visit to the region provided him with detailed policy briefings from government officials and an opportunity to engage directly with representatives who specialize in supporting entrepreneurial initiatives.

Zhou expressed admiration for Lin-gang’s welcoming environment for foreign entrepreneurs, noting that the area is a key development zone backed by both national and municipal governments. He found the policies and infrastructure particularly impressive.

According to an official from the Lin-gang New Area Administrative Committee, a range of initiatives has been introduced to support international students in innovation and entrepreneurship. Programs like the Lin-gang Overseas Students Entrepreneurship Park assist with business registration, policy consultations, operational support, and financial and tax services. Additionally, foreign entrepreneurs benefit from a five-year residence permit, a streamlined pathway to permanent residency, and expedited processing for domestic professional qualification exams.

As a thriving hub for global entrepreneurship, Lin-gang Special Area has attracted over 300 startups founded by international students. Key business centers like Lin-gang Blue Bay Park and the Marine High-tech Industrial Base serve as incubators for overseas returnee entrepreneurs, hosting nearly 100 enterprises. Remarkably, 75% of these companies operate in cutting-edge industries such as biomedicine, artificial intelligence, and integrated circuits.

With its progressive policies, strong global connectivity, and innovation-driven ecosystem, Lin-gang is fast becoming a top destination for international entrepreneurs aiming to expand their businesses globally.