On January 12, the signing ceremony for the first batch of institutions to settle in the Innovation Zone of the Hongqiao International Central Legal Services District was held at IBP Hongqiao Upper Town.

At the ceremony, five pillar institutions—East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai International Arbitration Center, the District People's Court, Changning Notary Public Office, and the District People's Mediation Association—signed agreements with the New Changning Group. The participation of these institutions, encompassing ECUPL's forward-looking legal research, the authority and efficiency of arbitration, the court's rigorous and prudent adjudication, the flexible communication and resolution through mediation, and the notary office's services for foreign-related and corporate matters, will collectively form a significant force for the Innovation Zone as it actively explores commercial legal practices aligned with international standards. This move represents not only a physical clustering of legal service institutions but also a deep integration of rule of law resources, legal think tanks, and service capabilities. It marks a crucial step towards substantive development in the construction of the Innovation Zone.

Focusing on the strategic goals of the 15th Five-Year Plan period to vigorously build the "east engine of Greater Hongqiao" and strengthen the "west gateway of the metropolis," the construction plan for the Innovation Zone was reviewed and approved by the District Government Executive Meeting in December last year. The Innovation Zone aims to become a hub for international legal services, a preferred destination for aviation dispute resolution, a source of legal technology innovation, a benchmark for international rule-of-law research, and a prime location for cultivating legal talent. It will synergistically advance the construction of Changning's section within the Hongqiao International Open Hub, continuously foster a top-tier business environment characterized by market orientation, rule of law, and internationalization, and unleash the "Best Hongqiao" rule-of-law effectiveness. This initiative represents a key move for Changning to actively respond to national strategic deployments, serve Shanghai's overall development, and seize the strategic high ground for future development.

It is reported that as early as May 2023, the District People's Court established the nation's first "aviation case trial station" within the court system. Together with the Aviation Dispute Mediation Center and the Shanghai International Aviation Arbitration Court, it formed China's first one-stop platform for resolving aviation disputes. Building on "judiciary + university cooperation," and with the goal of jointly cultivating high-quality aviation rule-of-law talent in collaboration with ECUPL, efforts have been made to solidify the professional robust support for aviation adjudication. An expert think tank for one-stop aviation dispute resolution was established, along with a regular consultation and discussion mechanism for aviation disputes, actively expanding practical teaching. The joint entry of ECUPL, Shanghai International Arbitration Center, and the District People's Court as founding institutions will further strengthen collaborative efforts. It aims to establish and improve a diversified platform for resolving aviation and low-altitude economy disputes, organically connecting and coordinating theoretical research, arbitration practice, and judicial adjudication. Focusing on goals such as developing the regional aviation services as a leading industry and constructing the Hongqiao International Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Park, this will effectively assist the Innovation Zone in becoming an efficient and convenient "preferred zone" for aviation dispute resolution.

Moving forward, Changning will base its efforts on serving the national "Greater Hongqiao" strategy and focus on the new "3+3" industrial layout. Using the Innovation Zone of the Hongqiao International Central Legal Services District as a driving force, it aims to attract more top-tier law firms, multinational corporations, and international legal organizations. The district will actively build a multi-level, cross-sector, and international high-end legal talent network, striving to create a rule-of-law engine serving the "Greater Hongqiao" strategy, a frontier window deepening reform and opening up, and a rule-of-law stage gathering "new quality talent." It will comprehensively serve the construction of the Hongqiao enterprise overseas expansion headquarters cluster, fully integrate into the "15-minute overseas expansion service circle," and use higher-level legal services to assist Changning in accelerating the construction of an international boutique district with global influence.

Deputy District Director Ma Shiwei attended the signing ceremony and delivered a speech. During the event, the District Justice Bureau introduced the background and main content of the implementation plan for the construction of the Innovation Zone of the Hongqiao International Central Legal Services District. The New Changning Group presented the Hongqiao Upper Town project.