A rendering of "Jiaxing International Legal Services Zone" in the Jiaxing Economic and Technological Development Zone. [Photo provided by Jiaxing Economic Development Zone]

Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, is set to strengthen its position as a key legal and business services center with the launch of the "Jiaxing International Legal Services Zone".

Located in the Jiaxing Economic and Technological Development Zone, the initiative aims to streamline legal support for international enterprises and elevate the city's role in the Yangtze River Delta region.

With foreign trade accounting for over 60 percent of its economy, Jiaxing has attracted more than 770 foreign-invested enterprises from 45 countries and regions. However, despite its growing international business presence, the city's legal sector has lagged behind — fewer than 20 of its 115 law firms specialize in cross-border services.

To bridge this gap, Jiaxing is cultivating a full-spectrum legal ecosystem, integrating law firms, arbitration and notary offices, judicial appraisal centers, legal tech enterprises, and intellectual property agencies. The zone will also include finance, taxation, auditing, and bankruptcy services, creating a one-stop international legal hub.

The project will be developed in three phases: foundational infrastructure by 2025, service expansion by 2026, and full operation as a nationally recognized legal hub by 2030.

For instance, Beijing Guozun (Jiaxing) Cathay Associates — one of China's leading international law firms with 113 overseas offices and over 2,000 legal professionals — has officially launched operations in Jiaxing.