European healthcare giant to build advanced lab in China

NANJING, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Cerba Research, a leading European healthcare company, has inked a deal to build an advanced medical laboratory in the city of Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, local authorities said.

With a total investment of 100 million U.S. dollars, the Belgium-based institution will partner with Teddy Clinical Research Laboratory (Wuxi) to set up the central laboratory by establishing a joint venture in Wuxi International Life-Science Innovation Campus.

The laboratory will serve as a clinical trial center for innovative drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic reagents in China.

"We see the Chinese market as a great opportunity for the growth of our company," said Mario Papillon, CEO of Cerba Research, adding that they want to build on their experience and local expertise to create an organization that will be able to provide the world excellent lab services.

The agreement was signed during Wuxi business representatives' trip to Belgium, as many authorities and enterprises across China are moving to boost economic rebound, including flying to Europe and beyond in search of new business opportunities.