China and Cuba boost cooperation in science, technology

Wan Gang(left), minister of Science and Technology of China and Elba Rosa Pérez Montoya, Cuba's minister of Science, Technology and Environment unveil the Sino-Cuban Center of Molecular Immunology.in Beijing August 26, 2013.

China and Cuba boosted cooperation in science and technology with the establishment of the Sino-Cuban Center of Molecular Immunology.

The center, which was established in Beijing on Monday, was unveiled by the Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang, and Elba Rosa Pérez Montoya, Cuba's minister of Science, Technology and Environment.

China and Cuba's cooperation on biotechnology and biomedicine has been developing smoothly since the countries signed the Sino-Cuban Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Biotechnology in 2004, according to China's Ministry of Science and Technology.

Wan said he hoped the establishment of the center would further contribute to the communication and cooperation between the countries in science and technology.

Ma Linying, an official on international cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Technology, said the center will be a platform allowing scientists and technical specialists from both countries to communicate on the cutting-edge technology of molecular immunology.

"It's also a chance for China and Cuba to display their respective advantages in the field," he said.

Cuba is a global leader in biomedicine, especially the research and development of anticarcinogens.

In 2000, China and Cuba set up a joint venture on biomedicine in Beijing. The company developed a treatment to be used for tackling tumors.

"Cuba has a good foundation in molecular immunology," Ma said. "I believe both China and Cuba will benefit from combining their expertise."