Vice President Cheng Chien-jen (right) and Merck’s Asia-Pacific Vice President Andre Musto enjoy a lively conversation at the Presidential Office Nov. 19 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of PO)

Vice President Cheng Chien-jen said Nov. 19 that the government is committed to boosting Taiwan’s biotech sector through partnerships and exchanges with the world’s industry-leading organizations.
 
An example of government efforts is the Taiwan Biopharma R&D and Training Collaboration Program, which was launched as part of a memorandum of understanding signed last May between Hsinchu County-based Industrial Technology Research Institute in northern Taiwan and Germany-headquartered pharmaceutical and life sciences giant Merck Group, Chen said. The project is helping to strengthen the country’s biopharma production capacity and expand its global market share, he added.
 
Chen made the remarks while receiving Merck’s Asia-Pacific Vice President Andre Musto at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
 
According to Chen, biomedicine is a key component of the government’s five-plus-two innovative industries initiative. The farsighted policy is targeting the high-growth sectors of green energy, national defense, smart machinery and Internet of Things, as well as promoting the circular economy and a new paradigm for agricultural development.
 
Chen also took the opportunity to thank Merck for its staunch support of local talent. Working with trusted partners is crucial if Taiwan is to level-up its international competitiveness, he said. (RAY-E)