The joint initiative of TIB, COMSATS, and ANSO aimed at fostering collaboration and sharing expertise and technology in the field of biomanufacturing.
Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology (TIB), in collaboration with COMSATS and the Alliance of International Science Organization (ANSO), successfully organized a two-day International Forum on Innovative Development of Biomanufacturing on November 9-10, 2023. The event, hosted by the COMSATS Joint Centre for Industrial Biotechnology (CCIB), emphasized the crucial role of international cooperation in advancing innovation and technology-based biomanufacturing.
The joint initiative of TIB, COMSATS, and ANSO aimed at fostering collaboration and sharing expertise and technology in the field of biomanufacturing. The event underscored the Belt and Road Initiative’s (BRI) sentiment of a shared future, with a focus on the international significance of developing innovation and technology-driven biomanufacturing.
Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of COMSATS, highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation to strengthen the biomanufacturing sector. He stressed its pivotal role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, population growth, environmental degradation, and the emergence of diseases and pandemics. The collaboration, he noted, is expected to yield tangible outcomes in crucial areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
The Director General of TIB, Prof. Yanhe Ma, expressed his delight in collaborating with COMSATS and highlighted the establishment of CCIB in 2021 as a significant outcome of this partnership. The event coincided with the 10th anniversary of BRI, symbolizing the prosperous industrial development of the biomanufacturing sector in China.
In a significant move, COMSATS and TIB signed an agreement to launch the ‘China-COMSATS Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Industrial Biotechnology,’ aimed at facilitating research and development activities among member countries.
Prof. Jinghua Cao, Executive Director of ANSO, expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, COMSATS, and various other stakeholders.
Mr. Zhengyu Wang, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Bureau, Chinese Academy of Sciences, commended TIB and COMSATS for their contributions to China’s BRI objectives and reaffirmed the Academy’s continuous support to initiatives promoting net zero carbon emissions.
Ms. Rongfang Wang, Director General for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, expressed satisfaction with TIB’s close collaboration with ANSO and COMSATS. She assured strong support from the Ministry to ongoing and future cooperative efforts.
The forum witnessed participation from policymakers, scientists, young researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry representatives from COMSATS Member States. During the plenary session, Amb. Zakaria presented on COMSATS’ contributions to promoting international cooperation, sharing his vision on policy guidelines.
The organizers highlighted that the programs of CCIB, exemplifying South-South cooperation, were recognized as ‘Good Practice’ by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) during the Global South-South Development (GSSD) Expo 2022.
The expert presentations during the forum focused on various aspects of biomanufacturing, including the production of chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, enabling technologies, future foods, natural products, and new resources. A comprehensive report on the innovative development of biomanufacturing in COMSATS Member States was also presented during the event.
On the sidelines of the forum, the 2nd Consultative Committee Meeting of CCIB took place, discussing future directions for the center and solidifying its commitment to advancing industrial biotechnology through collaborative efforts.
The International Forum in Tianjin served as a platform for fostering international collaboration in biomanufacturing, aligning with the principles of the Belt and Road Initiative and contributing to global sustainable development goals. The shared commitment to addressing pressing global challenges through innovative biomanufacturing solutions reflects a promising step towards a more interconnected and sustainable future.