Hunan free trade zone builds 2 platforms for global talent

The China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone is building a full-chain talent ecosystem through two platforms. The International Youth Entrepreneurship Port began operations in June 2023, while the Changsha Free Trade Valley (Mopanzhou) International Talent Community started construction in April 2026.

The port offers an incubation-acceleration-investment service chain, providing foreign entrepreneurs with business registration, tax guidance and market connections. It has attracted more than 20 foreign youth-founded companies. At a June 11 matchmaking conference, Ying Zheng, a Kazakh entrepreneur, said the port gave them a platform of trust, allowing them to focus on product development.

An international economic and trade matchmaking conference at the International Youth Entrepreneurship Port in the China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone Changsha Area. [Photo/ftz.hunan.gov.cn]

The talent community, planned east of Changsha South Railway Station along the Liuyang River, will feature five functional centers, including immigration affairs, entrepreneurship incubation, human resources, industrial services and living services. The Changsha Immigration Affairs Service Center integrates nearly 30 services, including work permits and residence certificates. Since trial operations began on March 9, it had processed over 1,600 certificates and received more than 3,000 foreign visitors by late May.

Internship bases for international students from Central South University, Hunan University and Hunan Normal University have been launched to connect study and entrepreneurship. An international economic and trade talent entrepreneurship base was also established.

Shen Yumou, director of the Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce, said the province will deepen integrated innovation in talent, industry and institutions to attract more global professionals.