Shanghai is an important economic, financial, trade and shipping center in China. It contributes greatly to the whole nation's economic structure and the development of society.
Due to its excellent port, Shanghai has been a leading power of China's economic and trade development since ancient times. Since China's reform in 1978, it has had a more open environment and enjoys faster development especially since 2000. Its economy has increased by over 10% for 15 consecutive years.
Taking up only 0.06% of the country's land area, Shanghai now generates about 8.3% of China's gross industrial output value, 10% of its ports' cargo-throughput, 25% of the total value of the country's imports and exports and 12.5% of the total revenue of China.