Wang Jinjian (right), Party secretary of WND, talks to Rudy Lauwereins, IMEC's deputy CEO on July 4. [Photo/wnd.gov.cn]

A delegation from Belgium-based Interuniversity Microelectronics Center (IMEC) visited Wuxi National Hi-tech District (WND) on July 4, to discuss their plans to develop a microelectronics industry there.

IMEC plans to build its Chinese college in WND and promote the development of integrated circuit (IC), smart sensors and internet of things enterprises in WND with its advanced integrated circuit talent training model. The plan is expected to be signed in September during this year's World Internet of Things Expo in Wuxi.

Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, IMEC is a world-leading research and development (R&D) and innovation center for microelectronics and digital technology. Its businesses focus on seven major areas: semiconductor manufacturing, integrated circuit design, new materials and devices, microsystems, solar cells, wireless communications and bioelectronics.

Wang Jinjian, Party secretary of WND, welcomed the delegation led by Rudy Lauwereins, IMEC's deputy CEO, and gave an introduction on WND as a district with a strong microelectronics industry foundation which ranks second only to Shanghai.

Lauwereins said he thought the visit was useful for developing better cooperation in the future and hoped WND could work as a bridge linking IMEC and other enterprises.

IMEC has cooperated with many renowned semiconductor and system manufacturers such as Intel, Sony and Samsung. So far, more than 4,000 researchers from 80 countries and regions around the world work for IMEC.