The 11th China Medical Expo, held on 18 September 2020, was the perfect opportunity for the unveiling ceremony of the ICGEB Regional Research Centre in China Medical City, Taizhou.
Lawrence Banks was present via video at this “truly momentous occasion for ICGEB”. His recorded message was delivered at the China Medical Expo, with the unveiling ceremony of the RRC set as the most important item on the agenda. Dr. Banks stated: “This is the first such Centre to be established and shows that China is leading the way in the field of Biotechnology. Now we will have the Regional Research Centre at China Medical City in the beautiful City of Taizhou joining our network, running operations in line with the ICGEB international model.”
One of ICGEB’s goals is to provide excellence in Research, training and Technology to industry for the needs of the whole world, and thereby directly contributing to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. China is one of ICGEB’s most important partners and became a member of ICGEB on May 13, 1992. The China National Center for Biotechnology Development represents the Chinese government and participates in the ICGEB Board of Governors.
In March 2017, CMC, ICGEB, and CNCBD started cooperative talks on the joint establishment of the RRC; just over a year later, in April 2019, the Steering Committee and Scientific Committee of ICGEB China RRC was established, and on January 6, 2020, the three parties signed the cooperation agreement.
Dr. Banks proceeds: “The RRC will promote the development of the biomedical industry through the use of innovative biotechnology, aiming to solve major global human health issues. This will be achieved through technology transfer and talent training and recruitment. Ultimately we expect the RRC to be producing state of the art research leading to the development of novel therapies and diagnostics. At the same time, the RRC will promote scientific and technological cooperation among the ICGEB member countries, and foster international cooperation between countries and regions under the Belt and Road initiative, while becoming a regional center with a global influence that can impact on the well-being of the peoples in the Asia-Pacific region.”
“On behalf of the ICGEB, I would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the Chinese government, the China National Center for Biotechnology Development, and China Medical City for the great support – standing with us to weather the storm – during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your aid and support, particularly at the time when Italy was in the middle of the Covid19 crisis was very heartwarming and extremely well appreciated – thank you all so much.”
In closing, Dr. Banks thanked all colleagues who have contributed so much to the establishment of ICGEB China RRC.
