In today’s ever-changing global economic landscape, the enormous potential of the Chinese market has become a “golden opportunity” that multinational corporations cannot ignore. Shanghai, as a “bridgehead” of the Chinese economy, provides multinational corporations with an excellent platform to directly connect with the Chinese market through its annual large-scale expo. For multinational corporations, actively integrating into the Shanghai Expo can not only expand their brand influence in the short term but also lay a solid foundation for long-term development in the Chinese market.
The Shanghai Expo has become a “must-win” for multinational corporations because of the underlying benefits of China’s consumption upgrade and open policies. With the increase in Chinese residents’ income levels, consumers’ demand for high-quality goods and services continues to grow. For example, in the fields of food, daily necessities, and healthcare, multinational corporations can quickly reach their target customer groups by showcasing innovative products at the expo. At the same time, China has been continuously deepening its opening-up in recent years, introducing a series of favorable policies in areas such as cross-border e-commerce, finance, and education. The Shanghai Expo is the “first window” for multinational corporations to understand policy trends and capture policy dividends.
So, how should multinational corporations take concrete actions? First, they need to do their homework on “localization.” Chinese consumers value both cost-effectiveness and emotional resonance, requiring multinational corporations to align their product development and marketing strategies with Chinese needs. For example, an international beauty brand launched a limited-edition Chinese-style packaging at an expo, retaining core product technology while incorporating traditional cultural elements, quickly generating buzz. This combination of “global quality + Chinese elements” often resonates with consumers emotionally.
Secondly, it’s crucial to leverage the “ecosystem” built by expos. The Shanghai Expo is not only a product showcase but also a resource-matching platform. Multinational corporations can connect with local partners, supply chain companies, and even engage in direct dialogue with government agencies. This “face-to-face” communication significantly reduces information gaps and accelerates project implementation.
Of particular note is the Wise Shanghai Overseas Property, Immigration, and Study Abroad Exhibition, held from March 29th to 31st, 2026. This expo focuses on hot topics such as overseas asset allocation and education, offering multinational corporations dual value: on the one hand, companies can leverage the expo to showcase their global resources and service capabilities in real estate, education, and other fields, attracting high-net-worth individuals in China; on the other hand, by observing changes in Chinese families’ demands for overseas assets and education, companies can more accurately adjust their product strategies. For example, one international education institution discovered a surge in demand for “early-age study abroad” among Chinese families at previous expos and subsequently launched targeted courses and services, successfully opening up a new market.
Of course, participating in the expo is not a shortcut to instant success. Multinational corporations need to set clear goals in advance and make thorough preparations. From booth design and product selection to staff training, every step must revolve around the “China opportunity.” Simultaneously, they should effectively utilize digital tools to amplify the expo’s impact, such as online live streaming and social media interaction, converting offline traffic into long-term followers.
In short, the Shanghai Expo provides multinational corporations with a “low-risk, high-return” entry point into the Chinese market. As long as companies truly understand the needs of Chinese consumers and make good use of the resources and opportunities provided by the expo, they can find their own “China opportunities” in this vibrant land. Professional exhibitions like the 2026 Wise Shanghai Overseas Property, Immigration & Study Abroad Exhibition open precise connections for companies in specific sectors, making them worthy of the attention and participation of multinational corporations.
