The Bio-industry in Shanxi province will receive a boost through government intervention to promote supply-side structural reform, build a diversified industrial base and make it the driving force for the area's economic development.

Luo Huining, Party secretary of Shanxi province, who expressed confidence in the bio-industry at a conference in Taiyuan, the provincial capital on Aug 1, said the bio-industry was one of the most energetic and fast-growing sector among all emerging industries.

"To promote economic reform and build a diversified industrial system, we must give priority to emerging industries," he added.

"Shanxi boasts the first exchange shop in China. It is also the cradle of the country's fermentation industry," said Gao Fu, a fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, during a speech at the conference.

"Now the province should change its traditional ideas to conform to the trend of the times and seize the opportunity to develop the bio-economy," he added.

Gao was of the opinion that open minds and high-end workers are essential for the growth of the industry. .

A series of forums and activities were held in simultaneously with the conference. Nearly 1,000 participants and professionals from government and businesses attended the event.

The conference also witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between the Chinese Society of Biotechnology, Shanxi Association for Science and Technology, and Shanxi Stem Cell & Gene Engineering Co.

Participants at the bio-economy conference in Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province, on Aug 1 [Photo/Xinhua]

An opening ceremony of Shanxi Provincial Society of Biotechnology takes place at the conference. [Photo/Xinhua]