Wuxi firms ink major contracts at third CIIE

Wuxi companies attending the third China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai are actively participating in matchmaking events to expand business partners and purchase their ideal goods.

Though affected by COVID-19, this year's CIIE is attracting global exhibitors in droves. The third annual expo has an expanded total exhibition area and is being held from Nov 5-10.

Feng Tao, manager of CCETC Power Equipment Co, signed a deal on Nov 6 for 50 gas generator sets produced by Caterpillar worth $70 million.

"Their products have a high degree of stability and intelligence, and can improve efficiency and extend the overhaul time after being used in our projects," said Feng.

Holland-based Opra Turbines, one of the top 10 gas turbine manufacturers worldwide, is attending CIIE for the second time to introduce their advanced products to the Chinese market.

Last September, Opra Turbines signed a deal to invest 1 billion yuan ($151.1 million) to build a manufacturing base in Wuxi for small gas turbines. The project is now under construction and is expected to begin operation in June 2021.

"We will put some of the deals signed at CIIE in our Wuxi factory," said a representative from Opra Turbines at the exhibition.

Australia's Amcor Group, the world's leading packaging company, has been popular among visitors to CIIE for their latest applications of high-end technologies. This includes wine bottles that can be traced to their origin and production year through near field communication (NFC) recognition.

According to Amcor Group, Jiangyin, a county-level city in Wuxi, has become its main production base for medical packaging and new materials and part of its research and development infrastructure.

Officials from Wuxi's commerce bureau said that Wuxi would increase the purchase of advanced technology and equipment, high-quality consumer goods and the advanced service trade at CIIE. Wuxi will also look for more high-quality partners to invest in the city.