In a significant move, Moderna, a global pharmaceutical leader from the United States, decided in 2023 to set up its first Chinese pharmaceutical plant in Minhang district, Shanghai.
The plant is located in the district's Xinzhuang Industry Park.
The plant, with an area of over 270 mu (18 hectares) and an investment of 3.6 billion yuan ($502.59 million), marks the largest foreign investment in China's biopharmaceutical sector to date.
This strategic partnership involving Moderna, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, and the Minhang District People's Government went from the initial agreement to the issuing of construction permits in just over three months.
This unprecedented speed is a testament to Minhang's exceptional business environment, characterized by a robust industrial foundation, ample space, efficient administrative processes, and comprehensive support services.
Hongene Technology in Xinzhuang Industry Park, Minhang district, East China's Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: minhangnews]
The plant is located next to Hongene Technology – a key upstream supplier for Moderna. Founded in 2001, Hongene Technology has become a global leader in the production of essential pharmaceutical components, contributing significantly to the industrial synergy that attracted Moderna to Minhang district.
Xinzhuang Industry Park, celebrating 30 years of advanced manufacturing, has grown into a hub of over 1,600 enterprises, including 56 Fortune Global 500 companies, forming a diverse "5+1" industrial cluster. This dynamic environment, combined with strategic planning and a comprehensive industrial assessment, was instrumental in Moderna's decision to establish its operations here.
Minhang district is rapidly emerging as a key player in the biopharmaceutical industry, aiming to develop the sector into a trillion-yuan level cluster. With over 600 biopharmaceutical companies, the district boasts a complete industrial chain from research and development to manufacturing and sales.
This landmark investment by Moderna signifies Minhang district's rising prominence in the global biopharmaceutical landscape, setting a new benchmark for international collaboration and industrial development in Shanghai.
