Cuba and China sign new Cooperation Accords in Biotechnology

Cuba and China signed eight new cooperation accords during the 8th Meeting of the Cuba-China Joint Working Group on Biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry, which wound up Tuesday in Havana.

The vice-president of China's National Commission for Development and Reforms Lin Nian Xiu, who headed the Chinese official delegation with some 15 companies, and Dr. Carlos Gutierrez, President of BioCubaFarma entrepreneurial Group, presided over the signing of new accords to further expand bilateral cooperation.

The agreements included the distribution of antibodies and vaccines by Cuban and Chinese companies, letters of intention to set up joint ventures at the Special Development Zone of western Mariel harbor to produce and market pharmaceuticals and cancer vaccines. Also included was an accord to transfer technology to the Cuban Finlay pharmaceutical institute and other to introduce anti-virus vaccines in Cuba and in Latin America, as well as the setting up of a joint lab to develop neurological products and a contract to offer medical services to Chinese patients in Cuba.

The Chinese and Cuban delegations also reviewed the pace and impact of the accords signed two years ago.

The Chinese delegation said that the government of the Asian nation will increase the financing of different companies and universities involved in scientific research in the biotechnology area, not only linked to the health area but also to agriculture, particularly in the production of pesticides.

Over the past two years, more than 20 Chinese and Cuban delegations in the scientific world have visited their countries, and have signed over 20 accords, including 13 agreements with joint ventures.