Wuxi National Software Park and Wuxi Zero-Carbon Sci-tech Industrial Park are located in Wuxi National Hi-tech District. (PHOTO: WND)

By ZHONG Jianli & GUO Guozhong

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Wuxi National High-tech District (WND) in east China's Jiangsu province. Over the past three decades, WND has capitalized on its advantages in technological innovation and developed into a key area to showcase opening-up and attract foreign investment.

Adhering to the innovation-driven development strategy, WND has focused on building major innovation platforms, increasing R&D investment, making breakthroughs in key technologies, and accelerating the transfer and transformation of sci-tech achievements.

In 2021, the R&D investment of the district accounted for 4.6 percent of its GDP. The ownership of invention patents reached 129.7 patents per 10,000 people, and the number of professionals in the region totaled 294,000.

To enhance its industrial competitiveness, WND has made every effort to promote the development of high-end, intelligent, green and service-oriented industries. It has taken the lead in implementing industrial transformation and upgrading, developing advanced industrial parks, and deploying emerging industries.

WND has developed a number of landmark industries in the Internet of things, integrated circuit, biological medicine, intelligent equipment, auto parts, and new energy, as well as modern service industries in high-end software and airport services.

In particular, the intelligent equipment industry, with complete product categories, has helped develop the district into an internationally advanced manufacturing base.

Future industries such as artificial intelligence, hydrogen fuel cells, and third-generation semiconductors, are also booming in the area.

In early September, Wuxi local government rolled out a host of measures to promote foreign trade and investment, so as to support enterprises in stabilizing supply chains, expanding into international markets, and developing cross-border e-commerce.

Foreign investors will be given an award of up to 50 million RMB in accordance with the actual amount of their investment in Wuxi. Enterprises that build headquarters here will receive a maximum of 60 million RMB award for each headquarters established.

Looking into the future, the district is striving to create a high-quality modern industrial system, and developing itself into a leading high-tech zone with international influence.