New BIA members discussed bioindustry investment with China's Premier Li

Premier Li Keqiang met with foreign experts who received the 2017 PRC Friendship Award. Vice-Premiers Zhang Gaoli and Ma Kai also attended the meeting. Dr Haworth met with Premier Li to outline plans for increased investment in Cambridge, UK and European bio industry assets.

Dr Simon Haworth, who recently joined the BIA as CEO of CompanDx, has been given the People’s Republic of China Friendship Award – the highest honour that can be given to a foreign civilian in China. The award is given to foreign experts in recognition of their contribution to China and international trade, in a ceremony linked to China’s National Day.

Dr Haworth received the award on Sep 29th, met with Premier Li on Sep 30th and joined President Xi and other senior Chinese leaders to celebrate the eve of China’s Nation Day. Dr Haworth met with Premier Li on 30th September and discussed the opportunities for linking China and the UK in order to accelerate commercialisation of UK and European innovation in the China market.

“Brexit is making us raise our eyes beyond the old European horizons” said Dr Haworth. “The opportunities for UK bioindustry in China are phenomenal, however few entrepreneurs feel confident in accessing China. China is keen that we do - I am absolutely certain that many other foreign experts have contributed far more than I have and I believe that my award is in part due to the interest that China is expressing in increasing trade with UK and UK innovation.”

Dr Haworth discussing plans with premier Li for Sino-UK investment in bioindustry technology, 30th Sep 2017 Dr Haworth has been engaging with China for just over 5 years. He set up a subsidiary in the form of a WFOE (Wholly Foreign Owned Entity) as opposed to a joint venture in Wuhan, Hubei Province in 2012 and is currently establishing a cross-border investment fund with Chinese capital. Simon’s family has been engaged with China for over 140 years and Simon’s eldest son George represents the 6th generation of the family to engage with China, in a continuous line since 1874.

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Contact: Simon Haworth, 07802 183555, [email protected]