NRC working with China on producing new vaccines to benefit both populations

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) renewed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education and another with the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, during a four-day series of meetings in China in November 2012.

Two Letters of Intent were also signed with the Department of Sciences and Technology of China’s Zhejiang province and Zhejiang Pukang Biotechnology Company Ltd. These new agreements support joint research and development (R&D) projects and related commercialization activities. They are intended to improve the competitiveness and productivity of Canada and China, as well as health benefits for their respective populations through the production of enhanced or new vaccines.

“It is important that NRC, as Canada’s leading industrial R&D organization, spearhead discussions with Chinese organizations that include Canadian companies,” said Roman Szumski, Vice President, NRC Life Sciences Division. “Our firms have expertise and credibility in the global marketplace. Access to joint R&D and commercialization opportunities with our Chinese partners will help add a competitive edge.”

The four agreements contribute to the statement of intent of the Canada-China Framework Agreement for Cooperation on Science, Technology and Innovation, the signing of which was witnessed by Premier Wen Jiabao of the People’s Republic of China and Prime Minister Stephen Harper during the PM’s visit to China in February 2012. The Framework Agreement supports innovative R&D, enabling entrepreneurs to bring new ideas and products to the market place, creating new jobs and economic growth.

NRC participates in international science and technology in order for Canada to gain access to new markets and technology and to help Canadian companies become better prepared to address global challenges.