1. Background:

With a colorful history and a promising future, Shanghai has become China's largest commercial and financial centre. Shanghai is located at the estuary of the Yangtze River and is also a key river and seaport as well as a transport and communications centre. With an area of about 6,350 sq km and a population of some 14.7 million people, Shanghai is also a leading wholesale and distribution centre and China's largest and most alluring market for retailers.