WITH its favorable location and a robust economy, Wujiang, a district in Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, has drawn high-end manufacturing and service companies to invest a total of US$1.4 billion in 22 projects.

Three of the projects involve investment of more than US$100 million.

Nearly 200 investors from Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai participated in an annual investment conference in Shanghai yesterday to seek investment opportunities in emerging industries and modern services such as equipment manufacturing, new materials, new energy and biological medicine.

"Wujiang has become increasingly attractive to investors thanks to the district's geographical advantage, convenient traffic conditions and well-organized development platforms," said Zhao Juguan, director of the Suzhou Wujiang Investment Promotion Bureau.

The district government has also introduced various favorable policies to attract talents and entrepreneurs, including a housing allowance and subsidies for start-ups.

The district is now home to more than 3,500 foreign companies from 57 countries and regions and about 24,000 private enterprises.

"Benefitting from the Shanghai development, especially the Pudong New Area, Wujiang has made great progress in its economy and is speeding up the pace to merge into Shanghai's economic circle," said Liang Yibo, head of the Wujiang District.