This Week in WND (2026/1/18-2026/1/24)

A cooperation agreement was signed on Jan 20 to build a new 1.11-sq-km section of the Wuxi Hi-Tech District Comprehensive Bonded Zone at the WND-Xishan junction. After the expansion, the zone is expected to achieve 150 billion yuan ($21.53 billion) in annual imports and exports, and 100 billion yuan each in total industrial output and wholesale sales by 2035, entering China's top tier.

A major industrial project-focused meeting to accelerate the integration of WND and WEDD was held on Jan 17. The meeting urged all departments to put major projects front and center, turn plans into on-the-ground progress, and build momentum early — aiming for a strong first-quarter start and high-quality growth throughout the year.

Leaders from more than 70 banks, securities firms, fund companies and local financial institutions met in WND on Jan 19 to explore deeper finance-industry cooperation. The discussion centered on building a stronger, more dynamic financial hub to create new drivers of development.

Ruiyun Cold Chain signed an agreement to establish its Yangtze River Delta headquarters in WND on Jan 21. The company is a leading player in China's B2B cold-chain logistics sector and currently the country's only platform-based logistics tech company in the IPO process. The new regional headquarters is expected to strengthen the district as a cold-chain hub and boost its modern service ecosystem.

Germany's Vulkan Group signed an agreement on Jan 21 to expand the production of high-elastic couplings for the intelligent computing center at its Wuxi subsidiary, the group's only fully owned company in China. The 300-million-yuan ($43.08 million) project will start in H1 2026 and aims to double revenue within five years

In 2025, WND achieved a milestone in foreign trade, with imports and exports valued at a combined 451.9 billion yuan ($64.92 billion), growing by 14.8% year-on-year and outpacing Wuxi's average growth rate by 7.2 points. The district accounted for 54.5% of the city's total trade (up 3.4 points) and 7.6% of the provincial total (up 0.6 points).

WND shone on the capital markets in 2025: leading companies saw soaring valuations, the next-tier cohort expanded, and innovative financing tools emerged. By the end of last year, 41 listed firms spanned the main board, Growth Enterprise Market, STAR Market, Beijing Stock Exchange, NYSE, NASDAQ and HKEX — fueling strong capital momentum for regional industrial upgrading.

WND Sci-Tech Innovation Industry Development Group issued China's first commercial space-themed M&A bond on Jan 19. The 200-million-yuan ($28.72 million) bond (3+2 years, 2.25% coupon rate) was 2.4x oversubscribed, further strengthening the district's aerospace industry cluster.

Shanghai Enflame Technology, one of China's four GPU leaders, had its STAR Market IPO accepted by the Shanghai Stock Exchange on Jan 22, planning to raise 6 billion yuan ($861.63 million). With WND Venture Capital as a shareholder, the company's first intelligent computing center in East China began operations in Wuxi in Jan 2025, with 200 million yuan invested by Wuxi Software Industry Development and ecosystem partners.

Jiaorong Kechan (Wuxi) Venture Capital Partnership completed registration with the Asset Management Association of China on Jan 21, becoming Wuxi's first AIC fund ready to start investing. The 100-million-yuan ($14.36 million) fund, managed by Bank of Communications Capital, will target emerging and future industries, leveraging capital to fuel innovation and industrial upgrading in WND.

Letran Machinery Technology Wuxi received its land in WND on Jan 16. That same day, the district's data bureau, its natural resources and planning offices, the Wuxi design review center, Meicun sub-district, and Jiangsu Bank coordinated to ensure the company received seven key approvals at once — from land and construction permits to BIM design and mortgage registration — allowing construction to start immediately while securing financing.

The Ministry of Commerce recently approved two WND companies – GE Medical Systems (China) and Finisar Wuxi – to pilot global bonded repair services. Among six companies nationwide selected for the program, WND secured the only two spots in Jiangsu.

The 2026 Jiangsu provincial major project list is out, and WND has 13 entrants on it, including 11 underway with a total investment of 80.9 billion yuan ($11.61 billion) — setting records in both project count and scale. Another three projects from WND also made the province's key private investment list. WEDD secured two more spots across the two lists.

The Jiangsu Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs recently released its list of recommended rural stays, spotlighting 119 creative and high-quality accommodations across the province. Among them was Muye Camping in Lianghong National Wetland Park in WND.

The Wuxi Health Commission recently announced the 2025 list of specialized primary care departments. Seven community healthcare centers in WND were recognized, covering 13 specialties, including gastroenterology and geriatric medicine. Every community healthcare center in WND now offers at least one specialized department, marking a major step forward in the district's primary healthcare services.

The Bodu River, China's oldest man-made canal, has completed ecological restoration on its Wuxi Merchants City and Meicun sections, linking 20+ km of waterfront trails. The restoration has created nearly 800,000 square meters of green space and 100,000 square meters of cultural and sports facilities, serving over 100 communities and 100,000 residents.

Wuxi Shuofang Airport will open a new port entry duty-free shop. The next step will see Wuxi Sunan International Airport Group start attracting investment, introducing high-quality companies with duty-free operation experience, abundant brand resources, and strong service capabilities. Commercial planning and store design will sync up to ensure a reasonable layout and great consumer experience.