This Week in WND (2026/05/24-2026/05/30)

Iskra Reic, executive vice-president and international chief of AstraZeneca, visited Wuxi on May 27 to strengthen cooperation. As a Fortune Global 500 and global leader in biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca has invested over $1 billion in Wuxi since 1993. This investment has led to the establishment of the International Life-Science Innovation Campus, a small molecule drug manufacturing facility, and a joint fund with China International Capital Corporation. This year marks the 25th anniversary of AstraZeneca's production base in Wuxi.

A delegation from the Swiss Buhler Group visited Wuxi to strengthen cooperation on May 27. The plant equipment giant has established seven legal entities in Wuxi since 1994, including Buhler (China) Investment, which is one of the first recognized regional headquarters of a multinational company in Jiangsu.

A meeting on production safety was conducted in WND on May 22, outlining the next step priorities and emphasizing the need for more effective risk prevention measures to support high-quality economic and social development across the district.

A delegation headed by Sze Cotte-Tan, executive director of Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, visited WND on May 26. The institute specializes in synthetic biology, food science and gut health, and focuses on developing innovative solutions for nutrition and personal care.

WND held a leadership meeting on artificial intelligence innovation and an investment promotion session for the AI industry on May 26. The meeting reviewed the progress made in the development of the AI industry and outlined priority steps to further accelerate the growth of its smart industry ecosystem.

WND hosted a forum for community Party secretaries on May 22, providing a platform for sharing experiences and capacity building. The event aimed to strengthen grassroots governance by fostering a capable, reliable, and action-oriented team of community-level officials.

A delegation from Xishan district of Wuxi visited WND on May 23 for exchanges on investment promotion, major project development, and the integration of industrial and technological innovation. The purpose of the visit was to deepen collaboration across multiple fields and explore new opportunities for coordinated growth, all of which contribute to Wuxi's modernization efforts.

WND officials conducted a field visit to Jiangnan Beauty Bay on May 23 to review the progress of key projects and assess park operations. During this visit, they held a coordination meeting to evaluate development challenges and discuss potential solutions, with the goal of further strengthening and expanding the beauty and health industry cluster.

WND officials conducted an inspection of elderly care services on May 27. The focus of the inspection was on the design and operation of facilities as well as the delivery of services. During the visit, they reviewed progress in several areas, including rehabilitation aid rentals, meal support for seniors, home-based care, and integrated medical and eldercare services. On-site discussions were also held to address practical issues and improve overall service efficiency and accessibility.

WND convened a meeting on auditing fiscal, taxation, and State-owned assets on May 23. The session reviewed progress made during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), assessed the current situation, and set out key priorities for 2026.

WND has topped Wuxi's first application scenario list in 2026, with 30 projects included. Among them, eight are demand-side application scenarios, where institutions release real-world needs for new technologies, while 22 are supply-side capabilities, showcasing enterprises' latest innovations.

Hedi Technology's Wuxi subsidiary, located in WND, has earned new international recognition! Its AI short film One Thought won Best Animation and Best Art Design at the 1st Hong Kong International AI Film Festival, after previously taking home the Best AI Short Film Award in China at the World AI Film Festival.

The Wuxi Symphony Hall opened its inaugural music season on May 27 and will present nearly 40 performances and more than 10 public cultural events over the following 66 days. Kicking off the season is the world-renowned Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, making Wuxi the only stop in the Chinese mainland beyond Beijing and Shanghai on the orchestra's tour.

MLand opens on May 30, combining music, park space, and retail in a single space. Designed to be more than just a shopping destination, the project aims to redefine how people spend their time in the city. With a diverse mix of brands and newly opened stores, it aims to become a one-stop lifestyle hub for dining, entertainment, and social activities.