Pudong's bonded area boosts bio-pharmaceutical industry

In a remarkable span of just 10 years since its establishment, the bonded area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone has emerged as a frontrunner in the development of a thriving bio-pharmaceutical industry. Notably, nine of the world's top 10 medical device companies have invested significantly within the area, representing 40.3 percent of national imports of similar products.

Efficient reforms aimed at "import substitution through domestic manufacturing" have continuously revitalized industry chains and spurred innovation. Multinational corporations have introduced state-of-the-art equipment, enabling efficiently production and generating ample opportunities for domestic manufacturers.

To further propel the growth of the industry, the bonded area is expediting the development of an international medical device intelligent manufacturing base, with plans to provide 700,000 square meters of space within three years.

Deng Jianmin, vice-president of Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), expressed keen interest in expanding the company's operations in the area. With plans to build two to three new production lines annually, BD's commitment exemplifies the immense potential for domestic partnerships to cultivate an innovative Chinese ecosystem.

Currently, the bonded area is actively constructing an international medical device intelligent manufacturing base alongside a cross-border R&D (research and development) and production pilot zone dedicated to cell and gene therapy. These visionary initiatives underscore the area's steadfast commitment to building a globally competitive and sustainable bio-pharmaceutical industry ecosystem.