At the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), which began in Shanghai on Nov 5, Qingdao National High-tech Industrial Development Zone and global biopharmaceutical leader AstraZeneca strengthened their partnership by signing an agreement to expand the production and supply of respiratory drugs.

This marks the third consecutive year AstraZeneca has increased its investment in Qingdao since the initial agreement in March 2023, demonstrating strong confidence in the zone's development environment and industrial value chain.

Under the agreement, AstraZeneca will invest an additional $136 million in its existing 80-mu (about 5.33 hectares) project site, adding a new filling production line mainly for inhaled products used to treat respiratory diseases. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with equipment installation and validation to be completed by 2030. Once approved, the facility will grow AstraZeneca's supply capacity for respiratory medications in China and globally.

As a Global Fortune 500 company, AstraZeneca focuses on innovative R&D in key therapeutic areas including oncology and respiratory and immunology, reporting global revenue exceeding $54 billion in 2024. This expansion not only deepens AstraZeneca's local presence in China but also highlights Qingdao high-tech zone's progress in creating a leading hub for biomedicine through high-level openness.

The repeated investments reflect the zone's continuous efforts to optimize the business environment and improve service efficiency. By adhering to a "grow with enterprises" philosophy, the zone has accelerated project approval and implementation, reinforcing its appeal as a preferred investment destination.

As a Global Fortune 500 company, AstraZeneca focuses on innovative R&D in key therapeutic areas including oncology and respiratory and immunology. [Photo/Guanhai News]