The opening ceremony of the Harbin food industry research institute was held in Northeast Agricultural University in Harbin recently with various officials in attendance, including Hu Yafeng, vice-governor of Heilongjiang province; Song Xibin, mayor of Harbin; and Jia Jiantao, vice-mayor of the city.

The institute was established by a group of universities and research institutes, including Harbin University of Commerce, Heilongjiang University, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Harbin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, jointly under the guidance of the Harbin government.

It aims to bring in high-end scientists and technicians to start businesses in Harbin to accelerate the structural adjustment of Harbin’s food industry.

The research institute will set up a company with the organizers and all kinds of financial institutions through an innovative operation mechanism, which combines the guidance of government, specialized management and market-oriented operations.

The company will serve as a platform for capitalization and industrialization of the institute’s scientific achievements.

Jia Jiantao said the establishment of the Harbin food industry research institute is an important measure to implement the innovation development strategy and deepen reform of the scientific and technological system.

He urged good cooperation among the universities and research institutes and hoped it would grow into an influential research institute in China.

Hu Yafeng and Song Xibin also visited the workplace and listened to an introduction of projects and an incubator of the food industry research institute.