Cuban and Chinese Biotech have found pathways of mutual benefits

José A. Acosta, Ernesto L. Mola, Ricardo S. Rodríguez, Boris E. Acevedo, Luis H. Martínez.

Havana - January, 20. The cooperation working groups (CWG) for Biotechnology from Cuba and China have explored potential cooperation in the Biotechnology sector. The Cuban delegation was headed by Mitchel Valdés, General Director of the Cuban Center for Neuroscience. The CWG shall promote cooperation in Biotechnology, studying potential Joint Ventures, Research Projects and Joint Developments, among other activities. Representatives of both delegations agreed on a cooperation program in this sector for the next 3 to 5 years.

As a result of cooperation, this year 2 manufacturing Units, using Cuban technologies, were opened in Changchun for producing recombinant pharmaceutical proteins. The second plant, for the production of humanized monoclonal antibodies, was started in Beijing .

Cuban Biotechnology has closed the value chain from research to commercialization, generating positive cash flow and growth rate. At the same time, Chinese companies have found attractive technologies in the Cuban biotech sector. President Hu Jintao visit Cuba in November 2004 and met with President Fidel Castro to expand mutually beneficial cooperation. Following conversations, a number of agreements were signed on cooperation in plant quarantine, biotechnology, education and economy. "We have helped each other and treated each other with sincerity. We are friends and brothers. A better relationship between China and Cuba will serve not only the interests of our two countries, but also world peace and common development, Hu said.

For information: http://gndp.cigb.edu.cu or http://www.cigb.edu.cu

Contact: ernesto.lopez@cigb.edu.cu

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