Below is my summary of this exciting trip. I truly enjoyed it!

 

1.      General Comments

The organization of the overall event was very professional. I was so impressed by the efficiency and smooth execution of the plan.

The industrial development in Jiangsu was impressive. It becomes obvious that Jiangsu’s economic development is at a turning point. Almost all officials and business people were talking about the needs to transform from a manufacturing based economic model to knowledge based economic model. In addition, all industrial parks have incubation programs to attract entrepreneurs with innovative technology.

In pharmaceutical sector, there is significant urgency to get global GMP certification. Almost all companies we talked to are hoping to expand in global markets, particularly US market.

In my impression, although visiting industrial parks and meeting local officials are important, the most effective exchanges and dialogues were conducted during visit to companies. At least for the pharmaceutical-biotech group, we gathered first hand information about pharma companies at different level in Jiangsu (from company with less than 50 people to number one pharmaceutical company in China). The potential collaboration perspectives are also more tangible.

                                         

2.      Nanjing

The meeting and presentation in Nanda is well organized for pharma group. I believe we have a good combination of relevant audiences. The presentation also generated opportunities to visit companies like Zhong Dan.

Jiangling Industrial Park: Although the development speed in Jiangling is extremely fast. They are still at the stage to attract major global companies.

Simcere Pharmaceutical: The pharma team knew this company well before our visit. I am impressed by Sincere’s professionalism, global vision and efforts to develop a modern innovation-based pharmaceutical company. Special collaboration opportunities were discussed with the management team.

 

3.      Yangzi Jiang Pharmaceutical Group

Yangzi Jiang is the number one pharmaceutical company in China in terms of annual sales (>$1 billion). Thanks to the pharma team, we had the opportunity to visit this company. Yangzi Jiang is a typical Chinese pharmaceutical company primarily focuses on internal market. However, at its current stage, Yangzi Jiang is eager to expand its R&D capability, obtain FDA cGMP certification, and export to international market. Special collaboration opportunities were discussed with the management team.

 

4.      Zhong Dan Group

The primary business for Zhong Dan is to export fine chemical, pharmaceutical intermediate and API to international market. It already has a solid client base in the US and EU. It is looking for opportunities to expand its client base and gain upstream pharmaceutical business. Special collaboration opportunities were discussed with the management team.

 

5.      Chang Zhou

I was very impressed by Chang Zhou’s ambition and strategy to develop the city as a major high tech base for China. The people working in the two industrial parks were dedicated and knowledgeable. I was particularly interested in its efforts to attract innovative entrepreneurs. The Jing Tong Industrial Park model is very interesting. It is in Jing Tong that high-end service company is first mentioned and welcomed during our trip. The leader of Jing Tong is a Hai Gui? He understands the concept of incubator model. There could be collaboration opportunities for those who have good ideas or technologies.

Wu Jing Industrial Park is still at attracting investment stage. 

Nanda research center could be a good resource for Alumi who would like to initiate high-tech projects in Chang Zhou.

 

6.      Wu Xi

Wu Xi looks much more developed than Chang Zhou. Wu Xi industrial park is a place hosting many multi-national companies.

We also visited a very small healthcare company with interesting technology. It is obvious that Chinese companies are not comfortable to file patent for their innovative technologies in China due to corruption and lack of enforcement. Other companies can easily copycat the ideas from the patent application without punishment.

 

7.      Su Zhou

I only visited one industrial park in Su Zhou. Su Zhou is well developed. The officials were very professional. This was the first place I heard officials emphasized on attracting high percentage of internal investment in high-tech knowledge based industries (not just attracting foreign investment). I believe that China can only become an industrial and knowledge powerhouse through incubating internal high-tech companies, not by attracting foreign multi-nationals. In terms of future development concept, I think Su Zhou is ahead of other cities.

We visited Su Zhou Number 1 Pharmaceutical Company.  This is a mid-sized company with over 100 million RMB revenue. The company is derived from a state owned company. Everything looks old in the company. However, it is building a brand new facility by collaboration with Pfizer. There could be collaboration opportunities as well.

 

In general, Jiangsu and China are growing at incredible speed. There are many opportunities. As professionals working aboard, we should be part of this exciting process instead of an outsider.