This Week in WND (2026/03/22-2026/03/28)

Xin Changxing, Party secretary of Jiangsu, and Liu Xiaotao, governor of Jiangsu, met with Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca in Nanjing on March 26. The company pledged to strengthen its presence in Jiangsu and provide more advanced healthcare and life sciences services.

Executives from Germany's Merck Group visited Wuxi on March 26. Since launching its WND base in 2012, Merck has grown it into a key manufacturing hub spanning biochemical reagents, single-use technology products and lab water purification systems.

South Korean semiconductor company Ronda signed an agreement to establish its China headquarters in WND on March 26, marking another boost for the district's semiconductor industry. With a total investment of $20 million, the project will introduce technologies including plasma processors and electrostatic heaters.

France's GL Events is setting up its Jiangsu office in WND. The Paris-listed company, known for organizing the Olympics, G20 Summit and Cannes Film Festival, will focus on events like the 6th Asian Small Animal Specialist Veterinary Conference while exploring future opportunities in Wuxi.

Senior officials from the National Engineering Research Center of Foundational Technologies for CGT Industry visited WND on March 25. The center's integrated model of cell technology, advanced manufacturing, and quality testing aligns closely with the district's goal of building a Yangtze River Delta hub for cell and gene therapy. Both parties intend to deepen cooperation and drive new development.

Officials of WND visited local chemical companies on March 23 to identify development challenges, provide targeted guidance on solutions, and promote tailored improvement plans.

Lear kicked off full production at its Thermal Comfort Systems Asia-Pacific Headquarters in GLP I-Park, WND, on March 27, just three months after signing the deal. The global auto parts leader aims to achieve 300-million-yuan ($43.39 million) revenue this year and over 1 billion yuan by 2030.

WND made its mark at TCT Asia 2026 in Shanghai, a major gathering for global industrial additive manufacturing. Local innovators Falcon Rapid Manufacturing Technology and the Wuxi Institute of Inspection, Testing and Certification showcased the district's strength in advanced manufacturing.

WEMT has teamed up with Wuxi International Life-Science Innovation Campus to launch an Energy Medicine Innovation Center. The partnership will boost innovation in high-end energy medical devices and strengthen Wuxi's position in the global energy medicine industry.

Since the start of the year, WND has been pushing projects forward with focus and action since the start of the year. New builds — from the Alps Electronics' smart manufacturing plant to Yunly's heavy-duty robot facility — are speeding up, while completed projects like the Wuxi Symphony Hall and Lear Thermal Comfort Systems Asia-Pacific Headquarters are running at full efficiency, driving high-quality economic growth across the district.

Wuxi Symphony Hall and Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory signed a strategic partnership agreement on March 23 at the Wuxi Symphony Hall, marking the beginning of a three-year collaboration focusing on music performances, arts education, academic exchange, and talent cultivation. The partnership aims to deepen Sino-Russian cultural exchanges and enhance the sharing of international arts resources in Wuxi.

Wuxi Symphony Hall unveiled its inaugural music season and opened ticket sales on March 23. From May 27 to July 31, nearly 40 performances will be staged, spanning symphony concerts, recitals, vocal and choral works, chamber music and crossover productions. More than 10 public cultural programs, including lectures, salons and open days, will also be held.

A seminar titled "Decoding the Drive for High-Quality Development" was held in the Shuofang sub-district, WND, on March 25, focusing on studying and promoting the spirit of the two sessions. Blending historical perspective, contemporary vision, and innovation enthusiasm, the event set the tone for advancing the 15th Five-Year Plan.

WND is welcoming Jiangsu's first spring break with a special family-friendly offer! From April 1 to 6, students aged 16 and under can enjoy free admission to 4 local attractions with their families. Explore, learn and enjoy spring at Lianghong National Wetland Park, Taibo Scenic Area, Qian Mu & Qian Weichang's Former Residence, and China View Stone Park.

The Gongboyuan Community Health Service Station officially opened on March 26. Offering general medicine, traditional Chinese rehabilitation, dentistry and laboratory services, the station provides residents with comprehensive and convenient healthcare.

The 2026 Wuxi Marathon kicked off on March 22 with 35,000 runners from around the world. From March 20 to 22, WND and WEDD saw retail and tourism spending jump 11.5%, foot traffic increased by 15.8%, and hotel bookings soared 41.7% compared to the previous three days, showcasing the event's strong economic impact.