Suzhou, in China’s Jiangsu province, is attracting Indian companies to collaborate across sectors, including AI and healthcare, further boosting bilateral trade between the two nations. China is India’s largest bilateral trade partner, valued at $151.10 billion in 2025-26.
“Four companies from India have collaborated with us on AI in the automobile sector,” affirmed Zou Ping, director, overseas business, AISpeech, while talking to Business India. The company has over 30 car manufacturers as its clients globally and India is growing as a large market in this sector.
Besides giving commands to cars, which service is available in India, the AISpeech centre also offers conference room facilities monitored by AI. “When a conference is taking place, a microphone is no longer in use,” added Ping. “The speaker’s voice gets magnified through the ceiling microphone via AI. Also, all other speakers can talk during their turn and, towards the end, AI will summarise the minutes of the meeting”.
Interestingly, if the members in the conference room whisper amongst themselves, that too would be captured by AI! So, there is a need to exercise caution while using AI, as it can gather information inadvertently too.
During its global launch in September, AISpeech onboarded 100 international distributors, which include some from India too. These partnerships focus on deploying AISpeech’s new hardware, such as educational ceiling microphones and smart office audio systems, into Indian enterprise and educational institutions.
In the healthcare sector, Mankind Pharma has entered into an exclusive licensing partnership with Innovent Biologics for the anti-cancer immunotherapy drug Sintilimab in the Indian market. Mankind holds exclusive rights to register, import, market, sell and distribute Sintilimab in India. The partnership aims to reduce treatment costs and improve access to advanced immunotherapy for Indian patients.
A commitment
“Mankind Pharma is excited to partner exclusively with Innovent Biologics to launch Sintilimab in India, which will offer new hope for patients battling cancer,” informed Atish Majumdar, senior president, sales & marketing, Mankind Pharma, after the agreement was signed with Innovent. “The company brings its extensive pharmaceutical expertise and expansive distribution network to the partnership, with a field force of over 16,000 people and over 13,000 stockists across India. This ecosystem will be crucial in ensuring widespread access across urban and rural markets. This partnership represents more than a commercial agreement; it’s a commitment to transform oncological care in India, making innovative treatments available to a broader patient population”.
Mankind’s extensive network enables more patients to use this drug. “Innovent is delighted to partner with Mankind Pharma to introduce PD-1 inhibitor Sintilimab in India, which has provided renewed hope for patients battling various forms of cancer,” concurred Samuel Zhang, chief business officer, Innovent Biologics. “We are hopeful of advancing patient care in India by making cutting-edge treatments more accessible and affordable”.
In the education sector too, there are fair numbers of Indian students opting to study in Suzhou. It may be noted that there are 20,000-25,000 Indian students in China at present, mostly pursuing medicine. “Indian students come to study in Suzhou,” said Wang Wei, mayor, Suzhou. “We offer the students flexible work and study hours. There are no hourly restrictions on work, so students can work and study simultaneously. Courses are available in English, which is also an advantage”.
The universities, which have gained popularity among Indians in Suzhou, include Soochow University, primarily for medical studies; Xi’an Jiatong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), which offers programmes for undergraduate students in business studies, etc. In addition, Indian students are considering courses in Suzhou Centennial College too. Indian food and dormitory facilities are an added advantage for students.
With the intent of dispelling prejudices and stereotypes and expanding mutual trust, especially amongst the countries of the Global South, the ACJA has enhanced its global outreach. “There should be an inclusive and equitable system of global governance,” observed He Ping, president, All-China Journalists Association (ACJA). “Journalists worldwide should play a greater role in deepening connectivity, telling stories of shared development, amplifying the voices of the Global South and embracing innovation amid the transformation of the global media landscape”.