Friday marks the 35th anniversary of the launch of Shanghai's Pudong New Area — a bold national initiative that turned an empty riverside into one of the most dynamic engines of China's reform era. CGTN's Lin Nan has more.

Once a stretch of farmland on the east bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai, Pudong New Area has transformed into a symbol of China's reform and opening-up over the past 35 years.

PROF. CHEN ZHAO China Center for Economic Studies, Fudan University "Back in the early days, milestones like the Nanpu Bridge and the Oriental Pearl Tower made people truly feel the speed of reform. That sense of momentum created public confidence – this is the real power of institutional change."

Launched in 1990, Pudong became a test bed for policy and system innovation. Its success helped shape national reforms that were later expanded across China.

PROF. CHEN ZHAO China Center for Economic Studies, Fudan University "Pudong changed expectations. It showed that deep reform is possible and effective. And that shaped how reform was viewed across the country."

Over time, Pudong has also emerged as a bridge linking China with the global economy. In Lujiazui, hundreds of multinational companies established their Asia-Pacific headquarters.

BAI BINYI Executive Vice President Business Group Electronics China FORVIA HELLA "Pudong offers great infrastructure, open policies, and a very efficient business environment. It makes us feel comfortable — both in work and life."

But Pudong isn't just a magnet for foreign investment. In Zhangjiang Science City, local startups are breaking new ground in robotics and artificial intelligence.

GU JIE CEO, Fourier Intelligence "Ten years ago, building a robot was slow and clunky. Now, we have universities, chipmakers, and AI firms all within reach. Pudong gives us the ecosystem to innovate fast."

Pudong is also pioneering institutional opening. The Lin'gang Free Trade Zone recently introduced China's first negative list for data exports — turning "what's allowed" into a clear framework.

CAO YANG Deputy Director of the Data Department Administrative Committee of Lingang Special Area "Instead of approving everything case by case, we tell companies upfront what's restricted. It's a more transparent and empowering system."

Today, Pudong is home to 479 regional headquarters of global firms. It's not only a gateway for foreign investment, but also a launchpad for Chinese enterprises going global.

PROF. CHEN ZHAO China Center for Economic Studies, Fudan University "Pudong 1.0 was about catching up. Now, Pudong 2.0 must be about leading — especially through innovation and global engagement."

As China moves toward deeper reform and higher-level opening-up, Pudong continues to lead the way, as a symbol, a laboratory, and a bridge to the world. Lin Nan, CGTN, Shanghai.