New step in Vietnam-Cuba biotechnology cooperation

Director of the Green Economy Institute Duong Thi Bich Diep speaks at the launching ceremony of the Vietnam-Cuba Network of Agricultural Biotechnology and Natural Health Care in La Habana.

The initiative, initiated by the Green Economy Institute (Vietnam), in collaboration with Labiofam Group (Cuba), brings together more than 45 research institutes, hospitals, universities and businesses from the two countries, operating in the fields of biotechnology, medicine, agriculture and green economy.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Ms. Duong Bich Diep, Director of the Green Economy Institute, emphasized: "The network is a bridge to bring Cuban knowledge and biotechnology products to Vietnam and the region, and at the same time bring Vietnamese scientific intelligence to accompany the development of the Cuban people."

On the Cuban side, Mr. Leandro Luis Licea Vagas, President of Labiofam Group, said: “The network opens up great opportunities for cooperation in research, development and trade of agricultural biotechnology, medicine and natural foods - for the health of the people of the two countries and a sustainable green future.”

According to Ms. Marta Ayala Ávila, Politburo member, General Director of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) of the BioCubaFarma Group, the launch of the network demonstrates the special solidarity and friendship between the Cuban and Vietnamese peoples. She believes that the network will develop successfully and be expanded, contributing to the provision of high-quality medical and pharmaceutical products for the health of the people.

Cuban First Deputy Prime Minister Jorge Luis Tapia Fonseca (center) received the Vietnamese delegation.

The network brings together 22 founding members, including many leading units in Vietnam. The Institute of Biology - Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology provides a platform for in-depth research on molecular biology, gene technology, microbiology, medicinal plants and biodiversity; promotes research cooperation, expert exchange and technology transfer with Cuban institutes such as Labiofam and CIGB.

The Central Dermatology Hospital applies gene technology and skin regeneration cells, aiming to cooperate in transferring bio-medical technology from Cuba. The Central Lung Hospital cooperates with Cuba in applying advanced immunology, testing specific biological products. Hoa Sen Investment Group Limited Company is a co-founder of a joint venture with Labiofam, playing the role of strategic investor, connecting the biological value chain and developing a green economy. Ca Mau Petroleum Fertilizer Joint Stock Company (PVCFC): a leading enterprise in green agriculture, pioneering the application of biotechnology to improve soil and protect the environment....

In addition, there are a number of businesses in the fields of pharmaceuticals, food and sustainable agriculture, all of which together create a multi-sector cooperation ecosystem, closely linking research-production-commerce in the field of Vietnamese-Cuba biotechnology.

During the working trip to Cuba from October 8-13, the Vietnamese delegation of officials and businesses, including representatives of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Central Dermatology Hospital, the Central Lung Hospital, representatives of the Green Economy Institute, Hoa Sen Group, Tan Mai Group, New Fortune Consulting Joint Stock Company, the Institute of Biology, and Ca Mau Petroleum Fertilizer Joint Stock Company, had meetings and worked with Cuban biotechnology corporations and research institutes such as BioCubaFarma and Labiofam.

Representatives of corporations, hospitals and research institutes from both sides signed cooperation documents for joint projects on research, biotechnology transfer, trade and joint venture establishment.

Ha Linh

Source: https://nhandan.vn/buoc-tien-moi-trong-hop-tac-cong-nghe-bi-hoc-viet-nam-cuba-post915868.html