Biotech pact signed by Taipei City, Academia Sinica

2015/05/20

A memorandum of understanding on developing a biotech cluster in Taipei City’s Nangang District was inked May 18 by the local government and Academia Sinica.

Concluded by Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je and AS President Wong Chi-huey, the agreement forms the backbone of a plan to transform Nangang into the metropolis’s eastern gateway. It was unveiled in early March by Taipei City Government’s Department of Urban Development.

“Biotech and information communications technology are two of Taiwan’s most promising industries,” Ko said. “The government is committed to putting in place the necessary infrastructure for the sustainable growth of the sector.”

The proposed biotech cluster comprises a piece of public land west of Zhongxiao Military Base, a business area east of Nangang Station and a privately donated plot. Bordering the under-construction National Biotech Research Park, it is 37 minutes away via high-speed rail from Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park.

Nangang, already home to the ROC Ministry of Health and Welfare and its Food and Drug Administration, will soon host the headquarters of TCG’s Department of Health. The initiative is certain to add further luster to an area best known for its longstanding tech ties.

“Taipei is already a center for academic research, medical resources and transportation infrastructure,” Wong said, adding that there is no reason why this cannot include Taiwan’s biotech industry incubation center.

“As the nation’s top research institution, we are pleased to lend a helping hand in realizing this goal.”

TCG’s Department of Economic Development data reveals Taipei is home to 364 biotech firms, or 22.7 percent nationwide. They reported combined revenues of NT$134.4 billion (US$4.42 billion) in 2013, or roughly 48 percent nationwide.

Taipei Deputy Mayor Lin Chin-rong said the government will begin canvassing investment in the plan from 2018, with the project scheduled for completion 12 months later.

“We are committed to fast-tracking this undertaking and striving to secure widespread involvement from Taiwan’s public and private sectors.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=230542&ctNode=413)