ZEISS unveils a new aspheric intraocular lens during the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
The ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) concluded in Shanghai on Nov 10, with Wuxi strengthening its global business ties through procurement, industrial partnerships and investment cooperation.
Wuxi's delegation comprised 476 companies and more than 3,000 professional visitors. Its procurement volume ranked among the highest in Jiangsu province, with purchases focusing on advanced equipment, high-end materials and green technologies.
Several major deals were inked during the six-day event. Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology signed a letter of intent worth approximately $7.2 million with MWM, a subsidiary of US-based Caterpillar. ITP Co secured more than $5 million in intended purchases of alloy materials and testing components. Meanwhile, Wuxi EL Pont Group and AkzoNobel signed a strategic cooperation agreement to advance the commercial application of green electron-beam curing coatings.
Beyond trade, the expo also created opportunities for deeper industrial collaboration. Wuxi industrial parks are featured in the 2026 Yangtze River Delta Biopharmaceutical Industry Development Report, underscoring the city's growing role in regional innovation. Wuxi Precision Medicine Industrial Park, which houses more than 120 companies, reported an industry output exceeding 3 billion yuan ($456.07 million) last year.
International companies are also expanding their presence in Wuxi. ZEISS unveiled a new aspheric intraocular lens at the expo, with localized production planned at its Wuxi factory. AstraZeneca also launched a renovation project at its Wuxi manufacturing and supply base to strengthen global supplies of cardiovascular medicines.
Ahead of the expo, Wuxi signed 11 projects with Fortune Global 500 companies, expected to bring in $380 million in additional foreign investment.
The developments underscore Wuxi's efforts to turn global connections into long-term industrial growth.
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