Recently, Guangzhou has made a big play in the field biotechnology development by having signed an MOU between the Guangzhou Development District and the world-renowned Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) to set up research institution, technology transfer center and fund for bio-pharmaceutical industry.
According to Zhou Yawei, a member of the standing committee of CPC Guangzhou Municipal Committee and the director of the Administrative Committee of the Guangzhou Development District, this cooperation with world’s top medical research institute will help the Guangzhou Development District to attract world-leading biotechnology and research talents and investment.
On August 16, Zhou Yawei, the director of the Administrative Committee of the Guangzhou Development District (R) signed an MOU with Bruce W. Stillman (L), the Chief Executive Officer of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory at the United States. [Photo provided by the Guangzhou Development District]
At present, Guangzhou is devoted to developing three strategic emerging industries which includes bio-pharmaceuticals. Therefore, to further this aim, the city has sought cooperation with CSHL, a leading research institution in the world of molecular biology and genetics.
The lab operates detailed research programs focusing on cancer, neuroscience, plant genetics, genomics, and quantitative biology. Furthermore, CSHL has been home to eight scientists who have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
"These cutting-edge research programs (conducted by CSHL) are in line with the development of Guangzhou's bio-pharmaceutical industry," said an official of the Guangzhou Development District.
Global bio-pharmaceutical enterprises eye up the Guangzhou Development District
According to statistics released by Guangzhou's Municipal Commission of Commerce, newly registered capital in Guangzhou from January to July this year has increased to 920 billion yuan ($138 billion), a year-on-year increase of 140 percent, with IAB investments reaching 1,000 billion yuan.
The city is seeing more and more large bio-pharmaceutical projects choose to locate within the Guangzhou Development District.
For instance, this March, Beigene immuno-oncology drugs production base began its construction in the Guangzhou Development District.
On June 23, the construction of a mega bio-pharmaceutical project officially began. Covering more than 350,000 square meters in its first stage, the bio-campus is expected to cost $800 million. This development project is receiving funding from the Guangzhou Development District, General Electric and other companies planning to operate at the bio-campus in the future.
The 10th China Bio-industry Convention and the First Guangzhou International Biological Forum was recently held from July 3-5 in Guangzhou's Development District to highlight the policies, innovation, technology and investment within the industry.
