State-owned enterprises have played an important role in SIP’s development over the past 30 years. They are trailblazers and pioneers in many fields.

China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Development Group Co Ltd (CSSD) and other several state-owned enterprises made remarkable contributions to the infrastructure construction on an 8-square-kilometer zone in the initial stage of SIP’s development.

From 2001, when SIP entered the new stage of modern urban construction, a number of state-owned enterprises have been founded for the development of different functional zones and different projects in SIP.

Thanks to the endeavor of these enterprises, SIP has seen significant improvement in its functions, and eye-catching progress in infrastructure construction as well.

These enterprises are leading the practice of the concept of “integrated industrial and urban development”. They have created a number of industrial clusters, incubators and accelerators along with talent apartment buildings and other projects to underpin the development of the industries in SIP, especially the biomedical, biotech application and AI industries that SIP gives priorities to develop.

The state-owned enterprises are also the main developers and operators of commercial, cultural and recreational projects in SIP. The Suzhou International Expo Centre, Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre, Ligongdi Cultural and Creative Block, Harmony Times Square, Suzhou Center and Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre are typical examples.

These enterprises never stop their efforts to pursue new outcomes. The Yangcheng South Bank Innovation Town and the Wusongwan Future City are being developed as the sub-centers in the planned pattern where the Jinji Lake area serves as the center.

The right bank of Jinji Lake is being renovated. The Suzhou Central Plaza, Suzhou Contemporary Art Museum, upgraded Jinji Lake Ferris Wheel and Mandarin Oriental hotel are expected to become new landmarks.

The building of Suzhou East Railway Station and its surroundings, undertaken by SIP-based Hengtai Holding, is going on smoothly following the concept of transit-oriented development (TOD) which means to create dense, walkable and mixed-use spaces near transit where people can live, work and play.

Sungent Group, an SIP-headquartered multi-business conglomerate, Keppel, a Singaporean asset manager and operator, and Surbana Jurong, a Singaporean consulting firm, are jointly pushing forward the creation of a zero-carbon industrial park in SIP.

Many other projects are underway or being planned, and the blueprint made for SIP three decades ago is turning into reality.

November 20, 2024