China sets up gene bank

Beijing: China has set up a national gene bank to protect its genetic information, a media report said Saturday.

The gene bank was set up in collaboration with the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), world`s largest genome-mapping institute.

Qi Chengyuan, an official of the National Development and Reform Committee (NDRC), said the bank, inaugurated Friday in Shenzhen city, will better protect and utilize the country`s precious genetic resources.

The gene bank "aims to lead the development of international bio-industry as one of the world`s largest gene banks", China Daily quoted BGI president Yang Huanming as saying.

IANS