Pingtung to set up world’s first animal vaccine lab zone: official

The administration office is scheduled to hold an open tender process to select a qualified contractor to draft a blueprint for the zone’s development by the end of next year and the construction is expected to be completed and available for rent by the end of 2009, according to the official.

The veterinary vaccines sector continues to contribute greatly to global animal health and nutrition product revenues, the official said, adding that at present, the market value of Taiwan’s animal vaccines is estimated at US$50 million (NT$1.6 billion), of which made-in-Taiwan veterinary vaccines account for an estimated US$15 million.

The spokesman added the growth rate in developing countries was the most remarkable, registering a 14 percent year-on-year growth on average. Based on Taiwan’s rich talent pool of veterinary vaccine research and development and its cooperative experiences with foreign companies to produce and export animal vaccines, it is feasible for Taiwan to further collaborate with foreign companies by taking advantages of their brand name and distribution channels to make inroads into the animal vaccine market in Asia, the official said.

The planned laboratory zone will cover an area of 2.24 hectares in the park and will be constructed in accordance with internationally accredited standards.

After the inauguration of the factory zone, animal vaccine sales are expected to reach more than US$60 million annually over the next five years and peripheral industries will be greatly boosted, according to the official, who added that it is also very likely become a dominant player in the development of the global veterinary vaccine industry.

Enterprises operating in the zone will be given preferential treatment, including low-interest loans, tax reductions or exemption and simplified customs procedures, according to the official. He added that the government will also manage to provide support in R&D, technology, manpower, funds, raw materials, certification and marketing for them.

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