A bird's-eye view of Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Wuxi, the birthplace of Chinese national industry and commerce, has experienced significant industrial growth. Recent statistics reveal a 5.9 percent year-on-year increase in the city's GDP to 743.7 billion yuan ($104.72 billion) in the first half of this year, alongside a record-setting foreign trade value.
These achievements stem from Wuxi's robust industrial foundation, vibrant innovation ecosystem, and favorable business environment.
For example, Wuxi Unicomp Technology, a key player in China's X-ray industry, has made significant strides by pioneering the development of the microfocus X-ray source. The company's groundbreaking technology has had a profound impact on various sectors of China's modern industries, including integrated circuits, new energy batteries and automobile manufacturing.
Noteworthy future industrial players like Orienspace, EHang, and Ubtech Robotics have chosen Wuxi as their base. At the same time, projects of emerging industries like the synthetic biology and bio-manufacturing research center have found a home in the city.
Aircraft on display at Muyu Aero Technology (Jiangsu). [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Wuxi is also dedicated to revitalizing traditional industries. Wu Shuokai from the municipal bureau of industry and information technology highlighted the importance of nurturing new quality productive forces in both emerging and traditional sectors, noting, "New quality productive forces should not only be exclusive for emerging or future industries, and they can also be fostered in traditional industries."
The Wuxi No 1 Cotton Mill Textile Group, established in 1919, exemplifies this by spearheading technological advancements in the traditional textile industry through an accumulative investment of 600 million yuan, establishing a first-class intelligent factory.
Looking forward, Wuxi is steadfast in its commitment to revitalize traditional industries in Jiangsu province. The aim is to complete the initial phase of upgrading traditional industries by 2027, with over 600 projects targeted for transformation annually starting in 2024.
Humanoid robot showcased at Wuxi Juxie Intelligent Drive Technology. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
In addition to supporting local businesses, Wuxi has attracted promising enterprises from cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Muyu Aero Technology (Jiangsu), a subsidiary of Shenzhen AEE Technology, stands out as a vanguard in China's light sport aircraft R&D and manufacturing. Wang Yong, general manager of Muyu Aero, stated that the company selected Wuxi due to its location in the Yangtze River Delta region and robust industrial foundation, notably excelling in electromechanical equipment.
Wuxi Juxie Intelligent Drive Technology, specializing in the industrialization of humanoid robots, reflects the city's investment appeal. Founder Zhao Wei highlighted Wuxi's comprehensive industrial clusters and supportive policies as key reasons for choosing the city.
With a thriving sci-tech innovation ecosystem and cluster effect, Wuxi hosts 16 industrial clusters valued at 100 billion yuan or above, including six valued at 200 billion yuan. By 2023, the city boasted record numbers of 12,453 small and medium-sized tech enterprises, 6,325 high-tech companies, and 113 enterprise technology centers, with R&D spending reaching 3.38 percent of GDP.
