Press Conference of the China Biopharmaceutical Industry Conference (Transcript) (Reposted)

Thread Content

Time: 2009-3-19 15:00:00 Location: Siji Hall, Building 6, Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Beijing Host: Liu Honghai (President and Editor-in-Chief of Science Times) Guests: Zhang Xiaoqiang, Deputy Director of the Development and Reform Commission; Zhu Yanfeng, Executive Vice Governor of Jilin Province; Yang Shengli; Cheng Donghong, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the 3rd China Biotechnology Industry Conference; Liu Yanhua, Secretary of the Secretariat of the China Association for Science and Technology; Li Jiayang, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology; Cui Jie, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Qian Longsheng, Mayor of Changchun City; Ma Yanhe, Vice Mayor of Changchun City; Secretary-General of the 3rd China Biotechnology Industry Conference. The main topics of this press conference include: 1. The background, objectives, and significance of the 3rd China Biotechnology Industry Conference； 2. Date and location of the 3rd China Biotechnology Industry Conference ； 3. The theme, features, and content of the 3rd China Biotechnology Industry Conference. :Dear friends, please set your phones to vibrate mode. 15:6: Distinguished leaders, guests, and friends from the media, today we are here to hold a press conference for the 3rd China Biotechnology Industry Conference. Please allow me to first introduce the distinguished guests present here. They include Comrade Zhang Xiaoqiang, Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission; he is an old friend of ours. The Jilin Provincial Party Committee**, Comrade Zhu Yanfeng, the executive vice governor of Jilin Province. Academician Yang Shengli, President of the Chinese Society of Bioengineering and Chairperson of the organizing committee for this conference. Mr. Yang has been the chairman of the organizing committee for three consecutive terms, from the first term to the current one. Comrade Cui Jie, Deputy Secretary of the Changchun Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Changchun. I am Liu Honghai, the president and editor-in-chief of Science Times, as well as a silver-medal host. Friends, attending today’s press conference are leaders and guests from the organizations that support this conference. These organizations include the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Forestry Administration, the State Food and Drug Administration, the Intellectual Property Office, the China Association for Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the China Development Bank, Sinopec Group Corporation, and COFCO Group Limited. Also attending today’s press conference are the leaders and guests from the 18 organizing bodies of this conference. These include the Chinese Society of Bioengineering, the Chinese Society of Fermentation Industry, the China Pharmaceutical Enterprise Management Association, the China Pharmaceutical Quality Management Association, the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Association, the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, the Chinese Microbiology Society, the China Pharmaceutical Biology Promotion Association, the Chinese Agricultural Biotechnology Society, the China Pharmaceutical Industry Research and Development Promotion Association, the China High-Tech Industrialization Research Association, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, the Pharmaceutical Industry Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinese Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Today, nearly 50 media representatives from Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, China Central Television, China National Radio, **Radio Station, People’s Net, Jilin Daily, Jilin Television, and other outlets attended our press conference. On behalf of the organizers of this event, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the leaders and guests present here. 15:12: Friends, today’s press conference is divided into three segments. In the first segment, Academician Yang Shengli will announce the news regarding the 3rd China Biotechnology Industry Conference. In the second segment, leaders from the supporting organizations, organizers, and hosts will deliver speeches. The third segment will be dedicated to questions from the media. Now we move on to the first segment of the conference; please invite Academician Yang Shengli to announce the conference news. 15:13: Distinguished leaders, guests, and friends from the media, good afternoon! Today, we are holding a press conference for the 3rd China Biopharmaceutical Industry Conference here. First of all, please allow me to extend a warm welcome on behalf of the organizers of this event to all the leaders and guests present. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to those leaders from various sectors and friends from all walks of life who have long been concerned about and supportive of the development of biotechnology and the bioindustry in China! 15:14: The biotechnology industry will play a role in addressing the various issues that contemporary humanity is faced with, such as population, food, energy, ecology, the environment, and health. It will help to establish a new pattern of international division of labor, give rise to a new balance of international power, and transform aspects of human production, lifestyle, thinking, and concepts – a role that is unmatched by any previous scientific or industrial revolution in history. That’s why many in the theoretical and technological fields say this is another period of opportunity for life sciences and life technologies; that’s what it means. Our country **has designated it as a strategic industry for the development of its national economy. 15:15: In order to promote the leapfrog development of China’s biotechnology industry and make better use of the contributions of various social forces, and with the strong advocacy and support of departments such as the Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Science and Technology, as well as under the leadership of the China Association for Science and Technology, the China Biotechnology Industry Conference has been held in different locations since 2007. Its purpose is to promote and implement relevant biotechnology industry policies, showcase the achievements of China’s biotechnology industry and the image of its enterprises, present major innovations in this field, provide a platform for the transfer of achievements and technical exchanges, and foster cooperation between banks, technology companies, and industries. The ultimate goal is to drive the sustainable, healthy, and rapid development of China’s biotechnology industry. 15:15: To date, we have successfully held two sessions, which have generated strong public response and positive outcomes. The first Bioindustry Conference, themed \"Innovative Development, Strategy and Future,\" was held in Shijiazhuang in 2007. Over 5,000 people attended or participated as exhibitors, and more than 20 projects and technical cooperation agreements were signed. The Second Bioindustry Conference, themed \"Driving the Development of the Bioindustry and Promoting the Construction of a Resource-Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Society,\" was held in Changsha in 2008. The conference held high-level forums and 11 specialized forums, with over 5,000 participants attending them in total. The exhibition area of the conference covered over 10,000 square meters, with more than 30,000 visitors attending the exhibitions. During this period, a symposium on the development of the biotechnology industry and the construction of a \"sustainable society\" was also organized, and the \"Conference Proceedings\" and a \"Compilation of Projects\" were published. 15:16: Based on extensive consultations and discussions, the third China Biotechnology Industry Conference is now in the process of being carefully prepared. As decided at the first meeting of the Organizing Committee of the conference, the conference will be held in Changchun City, Jilin Province, from June 17 to 19, 2009. 15:16: We are currently facing a global financial crisis. In light of the need to boost domestic demand and promote economic growth, as well as the plans to revitalize the old industrial bases in the northeast, and taking into account the achievements made over the 30 years since the policy of reform and opening up was introduced, the theme of this conference has been set as: “Meeting challenges, moving forward, innovating in industries, and working together for development.” The conference will focus on how to address crises, pursue innovation and change, and work together for development. It will primarily delve into and discuss key issues such as China’s policies for the development of the biotechnology industry, its development mechanisms, innovation systems, and investment environment. The goal is to promote the establishment of a technology innovation system that integrates government, industry, academia, research, and knowledge, with enterprises playing a central role. Building on the concept of the \"Year of Innovation\" that is already well-known, we can also extend this approach to other aspects, relying on appropriate policy guidance, as well as capital – after all, the development of the biotechnology industry is impossible without the involvement of capital markets. Thus, a relatively complete technological innovation system for the biotechnology industry is formed. Enhance a company’s independent innovation capabilities and its overall competitiveness. Stay confident, study countermeasures, formulate strategies, and persevere in developing and expanding our country’s biotechnology industry. 15:17: The Third China Biotechnology Industry Conference received strong support from **leadership and relevant ministries. **The National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Commerce, the State Environmental Protection Administration, the State Forestry Administration, the State Food and Drug Administration, the State Intellectual Property Office, the China Association for Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the China Development Bank, the Export-Import Bank of China, Sinopec Group Corporation, COFCO Group Limited, and others serve as supporting organizations for the conference. Additionally, the organizing body of the conference is composed of 16 relevant associations/societies from our country. Since the conference is being held in Changchun City, Jilin Province, the organizing body is the People’s Government of Jilin Province; the organizers of the conference itself are the People’s Government of Changchun City and the Jilin Provincial Development and Reform Commission. Below is a brief introduction to the main contents of this conference. 15:17: The main components of this conference consist of three parts: the first part is the exhibition. 15:18:1, the main theme of the special exhibition on the top 100 biological enterprises in the country. According to the nature of the enterprises, and across different fields such as biopharmaceuticals, biomanufacturing, bioagriculture, bioenergy, and bioenvironmental protection, 100 influential biological enterprises from across the country were organized to participate in the event and set up special exhibition areas to promote their corporate images and showcase the achievements of China’s biological industry development ； 15:19:2, **Exhibition of research achievements from key scientific research institutions and universities** ； 15:19:3, Science Popularization Exhibition on the Biotech Industry ； 15:19:4, International Biotechnology Achievements and Products Exhibition Area, etc. Next, I will talk about **all expressing enthusiasm to participate in the exhibition. 15:20: The second part consists of promotion and matchmaking activities, which mainly include: 15:20:1. Promotion activities for major innovative achievements ； Organize negotiation and matchmaking activities for major innovative technological achievements in the field of biology in our country ； 15:20:2, Discussions and matchmaking sessions for investment and financing projects ； 15:20:3, Matching enterprises with relevant talent, recruitment activities. Therefore, we include the transfer and transformation of achievements, as well as the involvement of capital markets and the talent market, providing a comprehensive approach to connection and promotion. 15:21: The third section is the forums and conferences section, which includes: 15:21:1. High-level forums. Leaders from various ministries and commissions, economists, top experts in the field of biology from home and abroad, as well as renowned scholars are invited to attend the high-level forum of the conference and deliver keynote speeches ； 15:21:2, eight thematic forums and an academic conference. Experts in related fields, leaders of industry organizations, and entrepreneurs have been invited to hold eight thematic forums on topics such as the development trends of the bioindustry, development strategies, cutting-edge technologies, industry analysis, energy conservation and emission reduction, financial support, and international cooperation. These eight forums include: the Bioindustry Bases and Policies Forum, the Investment and Financing Forum, the Comprehensive Biopharmaceuticals Forum, the Forum on the Safe Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Biochemical Engineering Forum, the Fermentation Industry Forum, the Forum on the Development of Non-grain Bioenergy, and the Forum on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries. 15:22:3 – Hold the second meeting of the **Biotechnology Industry Expert Advisory Committee** ； It was initiated by the **and Change Committee, and is a advisory committee composed of some of the top experts in our** biotechnology industry. 15:22:4, International High-End Forum on Biotechnology in the Bioindustry ； So far, the United States, Germany, Russia, South Korea, Cuba, and others have **expressed their willingness to attend. 15:22:5, **Work symposium on the biotech industry base. 15:22:06: Opening and closing ceremonies of the conference. Organize a press conference for the conference and hold a flag-handover ceremony with the city hosting the next event. 15:22: It is estimated that around 3,000 people will attend this conference, with the exhibition area covering 15,000 square meters. 15:22: At that time, we will invite **the relevant leaders to attend the conference. It is proposed to invite Vice Chairman Han Qide to continue serving as the honorary chairperson of the conference, with Governor Han Changfu, Director Zhang Xiaoqiang, and responsible officials from relevant ministries and commissions serving as the chairpersons of the conference. **Leaders from the National Development and Reform Commission, relevant officials from Jilin Province and Changchun City, along with myself, served as the chief organizers of the conference. 15:23: Here, on behalf of the organizing committee of the conference, I would like to express my special gratitude to ** in Jilin Province and ** in Changchun City for their efforts in making this conference possible and for the excellent preparation work they carried out. I also thank all the leaders, guests, and representatives from the media who are here today. It is my sincere hope that the whole society will pay attention to and give strong support to the Third Biotechnology Industry Conference. Whether facing success or adversity in development ； Whether facing various challenges or encountering different crises, I believe that we will work together to turn the biotechnology industry into an important driver of our country’s economy. 15:23: Thank you all! 15:23: Thank you, Academician Yang, for making this official announcement. We now move on to the second section. First, please allow Comrade Cui Jie, Deputy Secretary of the Changchun Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Changchun, to speak on behalf of the organizers. 15:24: Dear Director Zhang, Academician Yang, distinguished leaders and guests, as well as friends from the media, good day to everyone! Thanks to the trust placed in us by the **National Development and Reform Commission, the Chinese Society of Bioengineering, the people of Jilin Province**, as well as all the organizations that sponsored and supported this event, Changchun has been chosen as the host city for the Third China Biotechnology Industry Conference. On behalf of the Changchun Municipal Party Committee and the people of Changchun, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the leaders and media professionals who have long been concerned about the development and progress of Changchun! 15:25: The Third China Biopharmaceutical Industry Conference was held in Changchun. It serves as a stimulus and encouragement for the biopharmaceutical industry there, and it holds significant milestone value for promoting the integration and development of biotechnology and the biopharmaceutical industry in Changchun. As one of the birthplaces of China’s biopharmaceutical industry, Changchun established the Changchun Institute of Biological Products not long after the founding of the People’s Republic of China; it was one of the earliest research institutions in this field. Since then, many firsts have emerged there, including the first pilot production facility for gene-based pharmaceutical interferon. These include the first biological product with independent intellectual property rights, as well as China’s first three genetically engineered products. Especially since the 1990s, biotechnology-based enterprises for the deep processing of corn, represented by the Dacheng Group, as well as biotechnology research institutions, have emerged rapidly in Changchun. In 2005, Changchun was approved by the National Development and Reform Commission as one of the first bio-industry bases. Seizing this strategic opportunity, Changchun planned and implemented the construction of 12 public platforms, including research and development centers for seedling cultivation; it introduced and fostered a large number of high-tech bio-industry projects, and initially established a new development model characterized by research institutions as a foundation, biomedicine as the core, along with coordinated development of the bio-industry and bio-agriculture sectors. By 2008, there were 275 biotechnology enterprises in Changchun, and the output value of the biotech industry had exceeded 50 billion. It maintained a growth rate of over 30% for five consecutive years, showing a strong momentum of vigorous development and rapid growth. 15:31: What’s different from previous times is that this biology conference is being held against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, which has yet to reach its bottom, with people constantly striving to overcome it; this gives this conference a new mission and significance. Throughout the centuries, whether it has been the automotive industry, the aviation industry, or the information industry, it has been information technology that has driven industrial revolutions, created new sources of economic growth and new opportunities for development, thereby helping the economy to emerge from crises time and again and move toward prosperity. In recent years, a new technological revolution in the biotechnology sector has been accelerating, and driven by this, the global sales volume of the biotech industry nearly doubles every 5 years. The growth rate of the biotechnology industry is also several times that of the average global economic growth rate; it has become another new leading industry following the information technology industry, and this is now generally recognized by society. Therefore, the development of the biotech industry is increasingly seen as a new hope for overcoming this crisis. We hope that through the holding of this Biotechnology Industry Conference, technical exchanges and industrial cooperation can be further strengthened, and the unique vitality and growth potential of the biotechnology industry can be fully harnessed to contribute to overcoming crises and promoting steady and rapid economic development. We believe that, having gone through this crisis, the biotechnology industry will surely experience a period of significant and rapid growth. As the host city, we have begun intensive and organized preparations in accordance with the overall plan for organizing this conference. Changchun has extensive experience in hosting large-scale domestic and international conferences, as well as excellent infrastructure facilities. We are fully confident that we can turn this conference into a grand event in the field of biotechnology that is large-scale, impactful, successful, and distinctive. The time when the conference takes place coincides with the most beautiful season in Changchun. Here, we warmly invite all leaders, guests, and friends to come to Changchun at that time. The 7.5 million warm and hospitable people of Changchun will surely ensure that you have a pleasant and wonderful time there. Thank you all. See you in Changchun. 15:34: Thank you, Mayor Cui, for your kind invitation. Now, please allow Comrade Zhu Yanfeng, Executive Vice Governor of Jilin Province and member of the Jilin Provincial Party Committee, to speak on behalf of the organizers. 15:34: Distinguished members of the media, respected Deputy Director Zhang Xiaoqiang, and all experts, the organizing committee of the China Biotechnology Industry Conference is holding a press conference at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. The Jilin Provincial Party Committee attaches great importance to this event and has specifically assigned me to attend today’s press conference. Taking this opportunity, on behalf of the Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the National Development and Reform Commission, the China Association for Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, as well as all those who have long provided support and attention to the economic and social development of Jilin Province. I also extend a warm welcome to the media representatives present at today’s press conference! 15:35: The Third China Biotech Industry Conference, to be held in Changchun City, Jilin Province, this June, is the highest-level, largest-scale, and most authoritative comprehensive annual event in China’s biotech industry. The theme of the conference will focus on overcoming crises and moving forward despite challenges, with further discussions and exchanges on the development policies and mechanisms for China’s biotech industry, as well as issues related to innovation in development systems and the investment environment. Jilin Province is honored to serve as one of the organizers of this conference, where it will work together with experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs from the biotechnology industry both at home and abroad to discuss strategies for the development of biology in China. This will undoubtedly play a significant role in promoting the bioindustry in our province. 15:36: Jilin Province is represented in the country by three 3% figures: its area is 187,400 square kilometers, accounting for about 2% of the country’s total area; its population is 27.29 million, representing 2.07% of the national population; and its GDP in 2008 was 640 billion yuan, which constitutes 3% of the country’s total GDP. It holds an important position in the development of the Tumen River region, which is actively supported by the United Nations Development Programme. It boasts favorable conditions for fostering regional cooperation in the Northeast. Jilin Province has a strong foundation in science, technology, and education, as well as unique tourism resources. It is an important old industrial base and grain-producing area in China, and with the implementation of the strategy to revitalize the Northeast, Jilin presents broad prospects for development. In recent years, Jilin’s economy and society have maintained a rapid pace of development, making it one of the regions in China with the fastest growth rates. In 2008, local fiscal revenues across the province all increased by 31.8% compared to the previous year. The total value of fixed assets across the society has reached 560 billion, and Jilin is currently in a crucial stage of revitalization and development. Jilin Province also has a solid foundation for accelerating the development of its biotechnology industry. First, it boasts a relatively well-developed R&D system, with nearly a hundred biological research institutions and scientific organizations such as Jilin University and the Changchun Institute of Biological Products, in addition to over 20 pilot production facilities. Secondly, the bioindustry has begun to develop on a significant scale. Jilin Province has now established a comprehensive framework for the development of various sectors within this industry, including biopharmaceuticals, bioagriculture, and bioindustries. The output value of the bioindustry has exceeded 70 billion yuan, with an average annual growth rate of over 30%. In particular, in the field of biomanufacturing, a number of new enterprises such as Changchun Dacheng Group are growing rapidly; these companies focus on independent innovation, strive to develop biological products, and extend the industrial chain related to corn processing, enabling rapid progress from basic to advanced processing of corn. Thirdly, it boasts superior development foundations and an excellent environment. Jilin Province has a good ecological environment and rich biological resources. The Changbai Mountain National Nature Reserve in the southeast is one of the first reserves to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The complex and diverse vegetation types in the Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve give rise to a rich variety of medicinal plants. A total of 932 species of wild medicinal plants have been recorded in the entire region to date. 15:38: To ensure the success of the Third China Biotechnology Industry Conference, Jilin Province will provide full support to Changchun City in making all the necessary preparations. At the same time, we will draw on the successful practices and experiences from the previous two conferences, as well as the experience gained from hosting such events in our province over the years. We will make thorough preparations to organize a conference with a clear theme, rich outcomes, and far-reaching impact. We sincerely invite domestic entrepreneurs and investors to visit Jilin, conduct on-site inspections, and work together for common development. Thank you all. 15:39: Thank you, Vice Governor Zhu Yanfeng. Now, please invite Zhang Xiaoqiang, Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, to speak on behalf of the first supporting organization. 15:41: Distinguished Vice Governor Zhu Yanfeng, Academician Yang Shengli, distinguished guests, and friends from the media, good afternoon! First of all, on behalf of the **Development and Reform Commission**, I would like to express our full support and warm congratulations on the holding of the Third China Biotechnology Industry Conference, which will take place this June in the Biotechnology Industry Base in Changchun, Jilin Province! 15:42: The biotechnology industry is a strategic high-tech industry identified in China’s 11th Five-Year Plan. It is an emerging industry that plays a crucial role in adjusting the country’s economic structure and improving people’s living standards and health conditions. With the rapid economic and social development in recent years, as well as the increasing demands for improved living standards and health care, a favorable environment has been created for the development of the biotechnology industry. At the same time, **greater support has been provided for biotechnological innovation and the development of the bioindustry, enabling China’s bioindustry to maintain a rapid growth pace. For example, in the field of biopharmaceuticals, the annual revenue of the national pharmaceutical industry increased by 20.5% from 2000 to 2008, reaching over 860 billion yuan in 2008, a year-on-year increase of 25.5%. Bioenergy, as a clean and renewable resource, has also shown similar rapid growth in recent years. 15:43: At the just-concluded 11th National **Second Session,** the Prime Minister emphasized in the **work report** that this year’s **work should focus on addressing the international financial crisis and promoting steady and rapid development; it is necessary to take a comprehensive approach, prioritize key areas, and fully implement the \"package\" of measures aimed at achieving steady and rapid growth. This requires vigorous promotion of technological innovation, support for the research and development as well as industrialization of technologies in areas such as new energy, biology, and pharmaceuticals, the development of high-tech industries, and the creation of new biological systems. 15:44: Against the backdrop of addressing the current global financial and economic crisis and promoting steady and rapid growth, 15 national-level associations, societies, including the Chinese Society of Bioengineering, together with the relevant authorities in Jilin Province and Changchun City, are holding the Third China Biotechnology Industry Conference in Changchun. Under the theme of overcoming challenges, moving forward despite difficulties, and seeking common development, and with a focus on research institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences, financial institutions like the Development Bank, as well as the top 100 biotech companies, this conference aims to develop strategies for common progress. It seeks to address key issues in the development of China’s biotechnology industry, explore policies and measures to help this sector grow faster in response to the crisis, and encourage the concentration of resources such as technology, capital, and talent in this field. All of this will play a positive role in promoting the sustainable and rapid development of China’s biotechnology industry as well as in optimizing and upgrading its industrial structure. At the same time, it will also play an important role in strengthening confidence and promoting development. It is hoped that the organizers and hosts of this conference will actively respond to the efforts to expand domestic demand, sustain growth, adjust the economic structure, raise standards, advance reforms, improve people’s livelihoods, and focus on key areas. They should promote the strategic importance of the bioindustry’s development, showcase the new achievements made in biotechnology and industrial development, and explore the potential and vast opportunities available for the growth of the bioindustry. Mobilize social resources to vigorously promote cooperation, support the development of the biotechnology industry, and make new contributions to the economic and social development of our country. 15:45: Fifteen renowned industry associations and societies in the field of biology, including the Chinese Society of Bioengineering, together with the people of the provinces and cities where biotech industries are located, as well as relevant media outlets, have established a mechanism for jointly organizing the China Biotechnology Industry Conference. This creates an excellent platform for exchange and cooperation. The first and second China Biotechnology Industry Conferences were held in June 2007 and June 2008 in Shijiazhuang and Changsha, respectively. These conferences played a vital role in helping the whole society better understand biotechnology and the direction of industrial development, as well as in promoting the application of biotechnology and related industries in economic and social development. They served to encourage societal attention, support, participation, and efforts to advance the development of the biotechnology industry. I hope and believe that, with the strong support of the people of Jilin Province and Changchun City, through the joint efforts and close cooperation of all organizers, and with the full collaboration of relevant institutions, the third China Biotechnology Industry Conference will become an important platform for international cooperation and exchange in the biotechnology sector, further accelerating the rapid development of the biotechnology industry in Changchun and across the country. 15:45: Finally, on behalf of the **Development and Reform Commission, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the organizers of this conference as well as to those who have contributed to its success. I wish the Third China Biotechnology Conference **complete success. Thank you all! 15:45: Thank you to Director Zhang Xiaoqiang for his important speech! Friends, our press conference has now entered the third segment, which is the session for interaction between distinguished guests and the media. We now invite representatives from the media to ask questions to the distinguished guests regarding this edition of the Biotechnology Industry Conference. 15:46: I’m a reporter from China Central Television. I would like to ask Director Zhang Xiaoqiang that since the theme of this conference is also related to crisis management, what are the thoughts on the development of the biotechnology industry in the context of the current financial crisis? Including support policies. Thank you! 15:49: After the State Council Office issued the 11th Five-Year Plan for the development of the biotechnology industry, over the past two years the National Development and Reform Commission, together with relevant agencies, has carried out extensive efforts to promote the growth of this industry, including strengthening the capacity for independent innovation in the biotechnology sector and facilitating the commercialization of innovations in this field. Amid the current global financial and economic crisis, it is necessary to take further effective measures to maintain stable and rapid development. So I feel we need to focus on several key areas of work: 15:49: First, this year we should actively push for the rapid introduction of various policies aimed at promoting the development of the biotech industry, thereby creating a better environment for its growth. At present, this draft policy has been submitted to the State Council for approval. 15:49: Second, it is necessary to closely integrate with the nine key projects outlined in the **11th Five-Year Plan for the biotechnology industry**, and focus on implementing them, including various major projects related to the industrialization of high-tech areas such as green agricultural biological products, microbial manufacturing, and modern traditional Chinese medicine. 15:49: Third, further strengthen the development of **’s biotech industry bases and improve their public service facilities, as well as enhance their capabilities in independent innovation and industrialization. 15:50: Through these efforts and the **comprehensive set of countermeasures**, which complement each other, we can play an important role in ensuring stable and rapid growth for our biotechnology industry. Additionally, it should be noted that the Prime Minister’s **work report also mentioned that the **crisis-response package includes the launch of 16 specific initiatives under the science and technology plan, among which are three key projects related to the development of new drugs, the prevention and control of AIDS and viral hepatitis, and genetically modified plants and animals. These three major initiatives are set to play an important role in driving innovation in biotechnology in our country. At the same time, it will also create more favorable conditions and opportunities for the development of China’s biotechnology industry. Thank you! 15:50: I am a reporter from Jilin Daily. We know that the China Biopharmaceutical Industry Conference has been held twice already. What are the prominent features of this conference compared to the previous two, and what are the differences in its focus areas? 15:51: This is the third edition this year. Those who have attended the previous two editions will notice that there is a fundamental theme that remains consistent: to provide a platform for interaction and collaboration among industry, academia, and capital. So this platform was still built under the leadership of our ****. However, there are mainly two factors that drive change: one is the development of the biotechnology industry both internationally and domestically, especially any new breakthroughs on the international stage that will be presented at our conference. The second is the characteristics of the regional economy. The situation varies from province to province. Before the meeting, I also talked with the vice governor about this. Since Changchun is the birthplace of our automobile industry, our first automobile brand, Hongqi, was produced there. Jilin Province is also a major agricultural region, with plenty of straw and animal waste; if all of this can be converted into bioenergy, then we should develop biofuel vehicles in Changchun. Generally speaking, regarding the overall situation this year, so far the international financial crisis has not had an impact on our **biopharmaceutical industry; people have not yet felt its effects. However, it may have some impact on financing, as 2007 was the year when the entire biotechnology industry reached break-even after 23 years of development. In 2008, the period when it was possible to move forward amid favorable conditions was hit by a financial crisis, which likely had an impact on the development of the entire industry. So in this area, the investment industry and banks are becoming more and more involved, and this conference will also specifically discuss the impact of the financial crisis on investment and financing in the biotech industry. 15:53: I am a reporter from Xinhua News Agency, and I have a few questions I would like Deputy Governor Zhu Yanfeng to answer. We know that Jilin Province has an early start in its bioindustry, which dates back to the 1930s, and it now possesses considerable competitiveness. So what is the current development status of Jilin’s bioindustry, what are its advantages, and what are the goals for this industry in the coming years? What policies and measures will be taken to achieve these goals? 15:54: You just said that history dates back quite far, and now it has these several characteristics. One is the clustering effect; there are currently over 300 companies in this industry, and Mayor Cui also described the characteristics of this industry just now. I think this clustering effect is an advantage. The second is historical continuity; as mentioned earlier, it existed back in the 1930s, and it was also one of the first instances mentioned earlier, where biological research institutes integrated and developed industrial chains. In recent years, the biotechnology industry has seen further significant development; therefore, there are relatively abundant resources in terms of industry, personnel, and research in this field. Moreover, progress has been made in terms of market integration and industry development. For example, insulin-based medications include other medications used for seedling cultivation. Yesterday, we also met with a company named Dongsheng. 15:58: Another key aspect for the continuity of industries is their uniqueness. The biological resources were mentioned earlier, and Academician Yang also talked about the situation in our agricultural industry. When it comes to bioenergy, people are familiar with the corn industry. So, integration with other industrial chains, such as combining it with automotive energy, for example, through straw power generation. Well, Jilin happens to have a market for this. Furthermore, as we all know, Jilin was originally a hub for the chemical industry; in fact, it possesses unique advantages in engineering and technological skills related to biology and biochemistry, especially when it comes to moving products from the pilot stage to the market. So there should be advantages in terms of development in this area. It is for this very reason that it was designated by the **National Development and Reform Commission as one of the industrial bases. 16:0: As for my plans for the future, from an economic perspective, I think it’s necessary to increase the scale by another few hundred billion on top of the current several hundred billion. Furthermore, industries that integrate our corn-based or other agricultural product-based biochemistry, as well as biochemistry focused on pharmaceuticals, with other sectors should see development. Regarding industrial policy, Jilin Province has formulated policies and measures to promote the development of high-tech industries; we allocate several special funds each year to support this area of development. In this regard, it can be said that medicine developed relatively late, while biotechnology has made greater strides. With the integration of policies across various areas, it can be said that this sector has certain advantages over other industries. Thank you! 16:0: I am a reporter for Science Times and Science Net. I would like to ask Mayor Cui Jie: Each biotech industry hub has its own characteristics and development directions. Changchun is one of the birthplaces of China’s biopharmaceutical industry. What is the current status of this industry, and what are the key areas for future development? 16:2: Changchun is the capital of Jilin Province and an important part of it. The biotechnology industry in Jilin Province is centered around research and development activities, and the related facilities are mainly located in Changchun. Therefore, I think Governor Zhu Yanfeng’s answer just now has essentially addressed the question you raised. Let me be a bit more specific. As a major hub for the biotechnology industry, Changchun has seen rapid development in its pharmaceutical factories over the years. At present, one thing is that we have a very wide range of products available. We are capable of producing things such as pharmaceuticals, genetic engineering products, and biological traditional medicines. We currently have around 40 pharmaceutical products, and Changchun can produce 16 of them. Furthermore, a considerable portion of our products enjoy a very high market share; for example, hepatitis A vaccines, hepatitis B vaccines, and chickenpox vaccines all account for over 50% of the market share. In addition, we export these products to more than a dozen countries. 16:2: The tertiary industry accounts for a certain share in our sector; our biopharmaceutical industry is now worth over 10 billion, and in recent years it has made up between 15–20% of the total volume in this sector. As for the future, I think two things need to be done well. 16:3: We should continue to improve the biopharmaceutical industry, as it forms our foundation. So we will focus on using technology to research more vaccines and gene-engineered products for our **common and frequently occurring diseases**. 16:4: Second, we need to expand our biotechnology industry and broaden the scope of development in this sector within our cities. To answer this question, I think we still need to start from the actual conditions of our city in order to achieve an organic integration of modern biotechnology. Changchun is our **important grain production base; our city produces nearly 9 million tons of grain each year, and many aspects of grain processing are closely integrated with biotechnology. So one of our approaches is to develop bio-agriculture; as the academician mentioned just now, the deep processing of corn involves biotechnological methods in both the saccharification and acidification processes. 16:5: We also need to develop bio-agriculture; we must integrate biotechnology with modern agriculture, for example by using biotechnology to research new varieties for livestock farming and crop cultivation. In addition, we are also planning to introduce biotechnology into the production process, including biological agents and bio-pesticides. I can tell you that in Changchun, which is a major corn-producing area, we no longer use chemical pesticides. 16:5: Another topic is bioenergy; agricultural and livestock products are full of valuable resources, and even waste can be turned into something valuable through biotechnology. For example, manure from livestock is also a major source of biogas. We believe that by around 2020, the entire biotechnology industry will exceed 200 billion, so we are in an early stage of development but full of confidence. Thank you! 16:6: Friends, as originally scheduled, it’s time for the press conference. The four distinguished guests sitting at the main stage, along with all of us here in the venue – friends from academia, industry, the intellectual community, and the media – we are gathered here; history will witness this moment. What are we doing? We are regaining confidence. Prime Minister Jia Bao has repeatedly said that confidence is more important than anything else. We are gathered here today to boost confidence in China’s industries and the global situation. Several of them have extended invitations and calls to everyone present; there is much to discuss, especially among those from the media community. We will continue our press conference in Changchun. This is truly a case of \"unity as one in Diaoyutai – the biotechnology conference is about to start again. One session in Hebei, another in Hunan; Changchun in Jilin awaits your arrival.\" Thank you! The press conference is over. 16:7 Transferred from http://www.sciencenet.cn/zhibo/shownews.aspx?id=217419. This post was last edited by ody2004 on 2009-3-19 at 22:46.]