Matthias Berninger, executive vice-president Public Affairs, Science, Sustainability & HSE Bayer AG, said in a written address at the event that, "In the past, it was 'in China, for China'. Now, it is 'in China, for the world'."

Panelists also spoke highly of the International Services Shanghai, a multilingual portal launched last year by the Shanghai municipal government, which offers a wide range of resources covering policies, news updates and useful tips designed for expats in Shanghai who are seeking information on business, employment, travel, education and shopping.