Established with the approval of Shanghai Municipal People's Government, SEC is an economic entity specializing in offering large-scale conference and exhibition services. With its buildings completed in March 1955, SEC is the first ever site for conference and exhibition after the founding of the People's Republic of China. Over the past five decades or so, SEC has been the venue for quite a number of important political events and foreign affairs, where CCP leaders of the first, second and the third generation arrived to attend meetings and to meet scores of heads of states from foreign countries. SEC boasts the host to a great many successful international and domestic conferences, exhibitions, and commercial promotion activities. . SEC is a center for important political, economic, science & technology and cultural activities. Architecturally, SEC is blessed with a unique characteristic. With its magnificent and elegant Russian styles and exquisitely graceful decorations, SEC was awarded in 1989 the title of one of the "Shanghai Ten Best Architectures in the period of 1949-1989". In 1999, it is again ranked among "Shanghai Ten classic Architectures with Gold Medals during the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the PRC". According to their functionality, SEC is divided into two parts, the north part and the south part. With Introductory Hall, Central Hall, No.1 East Hall, NO.1 West Hall, No.2 West Hall, the southern part forms an exhibition area, Friendship Hall together with No.2 East Hall in the north is designated as the conference area. SEC is an ideal venue for conference, exhibition and large-scale event in Shanghai.