Canada should support China vaccine export; report

By Nick Taylor

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Food and drug administration China

China-based companies’ desire to enter the international vaccine market represents an “important opportunity” for Canada, according to a CIC paper.

Significant progress has been made in building vaccine development and manufacturing capacity in China. This has put it in a position where two domestic companies, Sinovac Biotech and Hualan Biological Engineering, were capable of developing H1N1 vaccines quickly.

Having built these capabilities there are indications that China is now seeking to develop its vaccine export capabilities, according to a report by the Canadian International Council​ (CIC).

The report says that to support international expansion “what China really needs is a global partner​” that can help it reach export markets. Canada has the experience and capabilities to be this global partner, according to the report.

For instance, a vital aspect of any international export initiative is approval of products by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Health Canada and the country’s pharma industry have “extensive experience​” of both these agencies.

The report says this experience “could be invaluable for China​”. Furthermore, Canada could help a China-based company join the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (IFPMA). This is important for recognition as a respectable international firm, says to the report.

Providing support for China in these areas may be beneficial for Canadian companies, says the report. For instance, establishing partnerships with Chinese pharma companies could help Canadian businesses’ efforts to market their products in China.

CIC is a non-partisan group that aims to strengthen Canada’s role in international affairs. The report on the Chinese vaccines is part of its Canada-China relations project which aims to provide informed recommendations to stakeholders, such as government and business, in Canada.

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