In a bid to further open up China's medical sector, Qingdao - a city in Shandong Province previously renowned for its water sports, beer festival, and strong manufacturing industry - is being transformed into a burgeoning pharmaceutical hub.
The British-Swedish biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is currently building a new production facility in the city.
It came as a surprise to many that a city in China, traditionally known for its manufacturing, outperformed cities in the U.S. and Europe to attract AstraZeneca, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies.
Executive Vice President of AstraZeneca China, Leon Wang, credited this success to China's increased openness in the healthcare services sector.
"The China government started its open-door and reforms policy almost 40 years ago. We can feel every day that the environment is improving and simplifying. Whenever we have issues, we always can turn to the government, and we always get a prompt reply," he said.
"When AstraZeneca was set up here, we quickly helped them apply for production and operation licenses. Normally, this process takes over a month, but thanks to our efficient collaboration and prompt document submissions, the relevant authorities reviewed everything quickly. We managed to get the approval in just 12 days, a record time for Shandong Province," said Li Mingkuan, head of the investment promotion department at the Qingdao National High-tech Industrial Development Zone Management Committee.
The attractive business environment and proactive government support are increasingly drawing healthcare enterprises to Qingdao and other parts of China.
"In the Qingdao High-tech Zone, there is a significant concentration of biopharmaceutical industry. You'll find well-known companies like AstraZeneca, as well as smaller, innovative enterprises," said Xie Cuicui, a staff member at a Korean-invested biotechnology company.
The policy relaxation significantly shortens the product-to-market cycle, reducing the time to market from five years to three.
China's efforts extend beyond these initial steps. A policy document released after the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee, held in Beijing from July 15-18, 2024, outlines the country's ambitions to expand its pharmaceutical industry further and ease market access within the sector.
"Officials from the Ministry of Commerce have already conducted surveys here. I believe that a series of measures will be introduced soon, and we look forward to more multinational enterprises investing in Qingdao and across China as these policies get implemented," Li said.
Qingdao's transformation highlights China's initiative to open up its pharmaceutical sector, enhancing both the industry and healthcare.
China further expands pharmaceutical sector, eases market access
Various activities were held worldwide to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Jan 29 this year.
Recently, the Chinese Consulate General in Niigata of Japan, in collaboration with the Gansu Provincial Song and Dance Theater, delivered a spectacular visual feast for the overseas Chinese and Japanese audiences in Sendai.
The performance, featuring the elements of Dunhuang culture and the history and culture of the Tang Dynasty, attracted about 2,000 spectators. Many Japanese people praised the colorful Chinese culture and expressed their hope to go to China to see with their own eyes and understand Chinese culture and traditional Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival.
"It's the first time I've seen such a performance. It's so gorgeous. I'm really touched. This Spring Festival event is also an opportunity for Japan and China to further develop friendly relations. If there is any chance for a performance like this in the future, I would like to come and watch it. I also really want to travel to China now," said a Japanese audience member.
"Happy to know that cultural heritage like the Spring Festival was included on the Representative List of Human Intangible Cultural Heritage, I think it's great to be able to celebrate such a festival in Japan. I really hope everyone can take a look and learn about the Spring Festival," said another audience member.
"We want to invite performers from Gansu Provincial Song and Dance Theater to present Dunhuang-themed music and dance which is full of Silk Road cultural elements. This will allow local people to see the mutual learning between Chinese and Japanese civilizations," said Cui Weilei, Consul-General of China in Niigata.
Budapest's Chinatown was alive with energy on Saturday as the streets were filled with music, dance, and the aroma of traditional Chinese delicacies during a two-day Spring Festival celebration.
The "Happy Chinese New Year" Temple Fair brought together numerous visitors and performers to usher in the upcoming Year of the Snake. They enjoyed the magnificent dragon and lion dances, ethnic performances, sugar-figure blowing, calligraphy demonstrations, and the unique experience of wearing traditional attire Hanfu.
"We come here because we have a deep appreciation for Chinese culture and Chinese traditions, and a special interest in Chinese music. I think the most important part of Chinese culture is Chinese food because the best way to bring people from all over the world together is to sit around a table and eat together," said a resident in Budapest.
Colorful celebrations and Spring Festival receptions were also held at many Chinese embassies and consulates around the world.
By showcasing Spring Festival customs and intangible cultural heritage, these events allowed local communities to experience the festive vibes of the Spring Festival up close.
In Dubai, over 1,000 performers and artists from around the world came together to blend traditional Chinese culture with modern art through a rich variety of performances, drawing a large number of audience. The airing of the Spring Festival Gala promotional video by China Media Group also became a highlight of the evening.
A reception was held Wednesday evening in Cairo by the Chinese embassy in Egypt to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival.
Around 600 attendees including Zhang Tao, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy, Ahmed Shaheen, Egyptian assistant foreign minister for Asia-Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand affairs, representatives of the Egyptian government and people from all walks of life were gathered.
"On the occasion of the coming of the Spring Festival, I would like to send my sincerest wishes to dear Chinese friends," said Shaheen in a speech.
Celebrations ring in Chinese New Year worldwide