Two service centers help enterprises go global

Futian District launched coordinated operations of the Futian District Overseas Trade Service Center and the Futian District Foreign-related Legal Service Center at the first international business matching event on May 8, marking a significant transition from platform construction to service delivery for enterprises going global.

The launch addressed the three primary pain points for local enterprises expanding abroad, which are compliance management, risk control, and resource matchmaking. To tackle the challenges, the two centers have integrated a global network of more than 1,000 professional institutions covering 130 countries and regions. Futian aims to transform from a business district into a global launchpad where service resources are visible, accessible and practical by blending commercial opportunities with legal protection.

A view of the first international business matching event held May 8. Photos from the organizers

Futian signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with over 10 international organizations and firms, including the North Westphalia State International Business Agency of Germany, London & Partners, the China-Britain Business Council, Ernst & Young, and King & Wood Mallesons at the event.

Klaus Zenkel, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce South China Chapter, praised the initiative for providing pragmatic support to businesses, while Yi Jing, chief representative of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for the GBA, highlighted how the synergy between Hong Kong’s international network and Futian’s professional services helps SMEs move from “solo ventures” to “collaborative wins.”

This is Futian’s response to the national strategy of building the National Service Trade Innovation Development Demonstration Zone. Despite occupying only 4% of the city's land, Futian hosts 16% of its foreign residents and 72% of its international organizations. In 2025, Futian’s total import and export volume exceeded 940 billion yuan (US$138.33 billion), ranking first in Guangdong for 26 consecutive years. The district is also home to over 550 law firms and 16,000 lawyers, boasting a high concentration of representative offices foreign law firms and international commercial mediation centers.

Scan the code to view an electronic manual about Futian District Foreign-related Legal Service Center.

The two-center model ensures that business expansion is protected by legal frameworks, while legal services are grounded in commercial reality. The Futian District Overseas Trade Service Center focuses on market entry and resource matching, while the Futian District Foreign-related Legal Service Center serves as a “central hub” providing integrated legal and commercial services, including rule alignment, and dispute resolution. According to Yuan Shaopu, vice chairman of the Hetao International Law Ascertainment Center, the system upgrades legal support from mere market entry to deep-rooted compliance and sustainable operations.

Futian District plans to host regular country-specific matchmaking sessions, compliance training, and project roadshows, providing customized and personalized solutions based on different industries and target countries.