Wuxi began its relationship with the US city of Columbus, Indiana State in 1996, when Columbus-based engine manufacturer, Cummins, set up a base in Wuxi National Hi-tech District (WND).

To date, Cummins has set up an R&D center and three factories in WND with anaccumulative investment of more than 1.3 billion yuan ($200 million).

The mayors of the two cities, Wang Quan and Jim Lienhoop, met with each other on Sept 6, in a bid to further friendly exchanges and economic cooperation, Wuxi Daily reported.

During Lienhoop's visit to Wuxi, the US delegation held an investment seminar which was attended by some local companies, in order to introduce the investment policies and business environment of Columbus.

Wang welcomed the delegation led by Lienhoop. He said that Wuxi is currently engaged in the upgrading of its manufacturing industry, and that it could learn a lot from Columbus. He hoped the US city could encourage more companies to invest in Wuxi in future, bringing advanced technology and management experience.

It was his first visit to Wuxi since taking office, said Lienhoop, adding that the two sides enjoyed a similarity in environment and manufacturing industrial chain. Lienhoop paid particular attention to Wuxi's advanced bio-pharmaceutical industry and noted that it was an area Columbus could learn from.