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Signing of Memorandum of Understanding
between Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Chinese Medicine
& Advanced Foods and Materials Network of Canada
(15 August 2007 - Hong Kong) - Hong Kong Jockey
Club Institute of Chinese Medicine Limited ("HKJCICM") announced
today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with
Canada's Advanced Foods and Materials Network ("AFMNet")
The Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between
HKJCICM and AFMNet engraves synergistic collaboration between
Hong Kong and Canada in the field of natural products, functional
foods and nutraceuticals, spanning research, development
to applications, for the betterment of human health.
The MOU covers a wide range of cooperative
initiatives between HKJCICM and AFMNet over (i) sharing
and exchange of research, clinical, regulatory and market
information, (ii) research and product development collaborations,
(iii) exchange of scientists and research expertise, (iv)
business networking and mapping for technology transfer,
clinical and regulatory support and (v) joint seminars and
workshops. The two parties will form a joint working team
to design discuss and achieve any action plans for the cooperation.
A signing ceremony was held on 15 August 2007
during the networking luncheon co-organised by Consulate
General of Canada and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council
at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. The event
was well attended by the Canadian delegation including representatives
from the Canadian health product, life sciences & healthcare
sectors, guests and representatives from Chinese medicine
and healthcare sectors in Hong Kong.
"With the prospects of Chinese medicine-based
developments, the signing of this MOU with HKJCICM marks
the intent of both parties to collaborate in areas of common
research and business interest. We hope to leverage on each
other's expertise, knowledge and networks to strengthen
partnerships and to facilitate exchange and applications
of research deliverables for the Greater China, Canada and
broader international markets", said Dr Murray McLaughlin,
Chairman of AFMNet.
"Being the gateway to the Greater China region,
Hong Kong is strategically positioned for AFMNet members
to explore the research and application values as presented
by Chinese medicines for both the Greater China and international
markets. Both sides will benefit from the joint networks
and sharing of the broad spectrum of R&D, product development
and business expertise in the development of natural products
and functional foods," remarked William Y. Yiu, Board Chairman
of HKJCICM. - end -
About Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Chinese
Medicine Limited: HKJCICM is the strategic focal point and
Hong Kong R&D Centre for value-added development of Chinese
medicine ("CM") and its industry. Under the aegis of the
government's innovation and technology development strategy
and with the HK$ 500 million pledged funding from the Hong
Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, HKJCICM focuses on: (i)
disseminating sector-relevant research and market information;
(ii) upgrading industrial practices and strengthening quality
control of CMs through technical developments; and (iii)
generating intellectual properties and fostering their industrial
and clinical applications.
About Advanced Foods and Materials Network
of Canada: Advanced Foods and Materials Network ("AFMNet"),
is Canada's national food and bio-materials research network.
Through partnership and networking, AFMNet works on scientific
advancement of food and bio-materials for the health benefits
of Canadians. With its major research themes focusing on
functional foods, nutraceuticals and bio-materials, AFMNet's
priority areas include (i) funding of research projects
across Canada; (ii) network and partnership with stakeholders;
(iii) building capacity and people nurturing through its
Highly Qualified Personnel programme and (iv) knowledge
and technology transfer of research deliverables.
For media enquiries:
Scarlett Kwan Tel: (852) 3406 2873 Email:
scarlettkwan@hkjcicm.org
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