Biotechnology to Lead the WayChina needs to take a giant step to develop its fledgling biotechnology industry in the new century, according to experts.It is estimated that in the next 20 years, the biotechnology industry and related industries will generate more than 11 billion yuan (US$1.33 billion) in China annually. To date, around 5,000 Chinese institutes and companies are dedicated to biotechnology and products. Modern biology will be a crucial branch of science in the new century, because of its direct impact on human existence, health and social development, said Guo Cunsan, professor of the National Vaccine and Serum Institute. However, some achievements in biotechnology can not be converted into products due to inadequate investment in the country. To help promote the sector, the country is to host a China International Biotechnology Exhibition and Conference in Beijing from August 22 to 25 this year. The four-day event, the largest of its kind, is jointly sponsored by the State Drug Administration, State Oceanography Bureau, State Forestry Bureau and the ministries of Science and Technology, Health and Agriculture. It is the first time that so many biotechnology industry associations and academic societies have been brought together in a single event. The country's most prestigious biotechnology researchers and scientists will attend as well as investors from home and abroad, said Chen Shiming, an organizing committee official. The event will include an exhibition, a conference, a CEO and investors forum, an auction and a human resources exchange fair. It will highlight advanced biotechnology, equipment and discuss current topics, such as therapeutics, investment, employment, bioinformation and agriculture. Source: chinadaily.com.cn |
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