Wuxi boasts cherry blossoms as International Month begins

Wuxi, Jiangsu province, is celebrating its International Month and International Cherry Blossom Week, highlighting the city's renowned cherry blossoms and its efforts to enhance international cooperation.

The events, running from Thursday to May 1, center on the Yuantouzhu scenic area, a world-renowned cherry blossom viewing spot home to over 30,000 cherry blossom trees of approximately 100 varieties.

During International Month, Wuxi will host a series of international events, including the "Dialogue with Europe" initiative, marking the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. This initiative features 14 subevents across trade, culture, tourism and sports.

Representatives from more than 10 European countries will visit Wuxi to strengthen cooperation.

European multinational companies will participate in events such as the European Multinational Companies Exchange Meeting and the Green "Smart" Innovation Cooperation Exchange Meeting, aiming to facilitate communication between government and businesses.

Mayor Zhao Jianjun emphasized the role of foreign enterprises, particularly those from Europe, in Wuxi's socioeconomic progress. He highlighted Wuxi's commitment to becoming a destination for foreign investment, providing policy support and fostering a conducive business environment.

"In the future, Wuxi's determination to expand high-level opening up will not waver," Zhao said. "We will always focus on the goal of building the most satisfactory city for foreign investment, providing substantial policy support, nurturing a thriving industrial ecosystem, creating a harmonious business environment, fostering an innovative atmosphere and cultivating a fertile environment for development."

Gudrun Koppers, deputy mayor of Bocholt, Germany, praised the friendliness of Wuxi residents, noting the sister city relationship between Wuxi and Bocholt since 1985. She expressed hope for future cooperation.

Next week, the Wuxi People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries will host International Cherry Blossom Week and the 38th anniversary of the China-Japan Cherry Blossom Friendship Forest's construction. Participants from China and abroad will plant cherry blossom trees at the Yuantouzhu scenic area.

Wuxi aims to enhance the experience for foreign visitors through measures such as expanding the number of tax refund shops. The city's bureau of commerce reported an increase from five to 39 tax refund shops, with further expansion planned.

Wuxi has economic and trade relations with over 220 countries and regions, with 117 Fortune 500 companies operating in the city. In 2024, Wuxi's total import and export value reached 770.95 billion yuan ($106 billion), a year-on-year growth of 9.1 percent. The city's actual foreign investment reached $3.44 billion last year.

cangwei@chinadaily.com.cn