This Week in WND (2026/02/22-2026/02/28)

Jiangsu kicked off the Year of the Horse with a high-level meeting on innovation and industrial strategy on Feb 24. WND was the only high-tech district invited to take the stage, spotlighting its "Dual-High Synergy" drive to link universities with industry, fast-track breakthroughs and fuel new quality growth.

Delegations from Peking University and China Pharmaceutical University visited Wuxi for an inspection on Feb 25. Working with WND, they will focus on innovative drugs, stem cells, and AI-powered healthcare — bringing in top-tier talent and accelerating the commercialization of cutting-edge medical breakthroughs.

WND held a conference on financial empowerment for high-quality growth on Feb 25, deepening the integration of technology, industry and capital and sharpening its edge in building a world-class high-tech district.

WND is driving growth at a breakneck pace. At a Feb 23 meeting reviewing economic performance and advancing major industrial projects, officials called for an all-out push from day one — focusing on the economy, accelerating key projects and securing a strong start to the year, with the aim of contributing more to high-quality development across Wuxi and Jiangsu province.

WND reached a fund cooperation agreement with L Catterton, the private equity arm of LVMH, on Feb 25. The two sides plan to launch a consumer-focused equity fund targeting pre-IPO and mature-stage brands. The move is designed to attract high-growth consumer companies to register and expand production in WND, while bringing in L Catterton's global network to boost the district's consumer market and international connections.

WND has served as a shining beacon of China-Germany industrial cooperation over the past three decades. By 2025, 83 German companies had set up operations in the district, including industry leaders like Bosch, Siemens and Infineon, with a total investment of $3.89 billion and registered capital of $1.95 billion.

On the first working day of the Year of the Horse, companies across WND and Wuxi Economic Development District resumed operations. Teams quickly refocused, shifted into high gear, and launched full-speed efforts to secure a strong start to the first quarter.

Many companies in WND and WEDD maintained operations during the Spring Festival holiday. Nearly half of major industrial enterprises above the designated scale worked overtime, more than last year, and almost 60% resumed work on schedule or even ahead of time.

WND has rolled out Version 9.0 of its business environment action plan, unveiling 30 measures across market, investment, innovation, rule of law and government services. The upgrade aims to cut institutional costs, boost resource efficiency and accelerate the growth of new quality productive forces.

Wuxi (National) Software Park reached a total output of 51.79 billion yuan ($7.55 billion) in 2025, becoming the city's first tech park to surpass the 50-billion-yuan mark. Over the past three years, the park has maintained double-digit annual growth.

WND has built the city's first government-side domestic intelligent computing center. The district's Urban Operations Center recently completed deployment and testing of its smart computing power, which is now available to provide AI-enabled services for government operations.

The winners of the first Jiangsu Technical Skills Awards for 2025 were recently announced. WND had two local professionals named Jiangsu Craftsmen and three young and mid-career experts recognized for outstanding contributions. So far, the district has produced four Jiangsu Craftsmen, five Wuxi Senior Craftsmen, 11 Wuxi Craftsmen, nine Jiangsu young and mid-career experts, and 38 Wuxi young and mid-career experts.

To seize the Spring Festival consumption season, WND and WEDD created a strong festive vibe, stimulating market vitality. Commercial entities launched diverse new year events, drawing large crowds of citizens and tourists. Moreover, suppliers ensured ample stock and smooth logistics, while Spring Festival markets, blending local and modern flair, offered festive scenes for leisure and shopping.

Holiday spending got a strong boost in WND and WEDD this Spring Festival. From Feb 15 to 23, a packed lineup of festive events across scenic areas, cultural venues and malls attracted 1.87 million visits, a 17.6% year-on-year increase.

Festive spirit filled the air on Feb 25 as the Taibo Temple Fair lit up Meili Ancient Town in WND. Celebrating the ninth day of the first month on the Chinese calendar, the event highlighted the region's rich cultural heritage.

Chengnan Road (Wudu Road – Old Chengnan Road) is now open to traffic. Built with a green approach and upgraded supporting facilities, the road is set to improve connectivity, support local growth and enhance everyday life for residents.