Newswise — BOSTON – (March 12, 2015) – Joslin Diabetes Center and Daegu-Gyeongbuk Free Economic Zone (DGFEZ) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) formalizing their mutual strong commitment to navigate avenues for potential partnership.
This MOU was written after Joslin CEO John L. Brooks III and Joslin’s International team met with DGFEZ Commissioner Gunwoo Do this past December to discuss opportunities to collaborate, including information about the DGFEZ’s healthcare infrastructure and operating environment.
The MOU signing is an important step towards establishing a partnership that will allow Joslin to potentially establish a physical presence in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area, bringing Joslin’s mission of preventing, treating and curing diabetes to the region.
“The MOU is a critical step in demonstrating Joslin’s commitment to explore opportunities with DGFEZ to make an impact on diabetes prevention and treatment in the region,” said William C. Hsu, M.D., Vice President of International Programs at Joslin and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School. “DGFEZ has a comprehensive plan to establish an ecosystem for world-class medical care. Joslin looks forward to a potential public-private partnership, including the opportunity to integrate technology with diabetes care in a country known for impressive advancements in communication technology.”
There were an estimated 1.1 million cases of diabetes in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in 2014.
DGFEZ Commissioner Gunwoo Do expressed his strong commitment to working with Joslin in making the city of Daegu a central place for healthcare services on diabetes, clinical trials and diabetes research in Asia. “The MOU reflects the two organizations’ relationship founded on trust and mutual benefits to make the world free of diabetes, and the city of Daegu is ready to contribute to the valuable cause with the help of Joslin’s advanced research capability and authoritative expertise on diabetes,” said the Commissioner Do.
Joslin representatives and DGFEZ’s officials originally began discussions in December of 2013. Active discussions continued and the newly appointed DGFEZ commissioner, Gunwoo Do, flew to Boston to showcase DGFEZ’s continued, strong commitment to working with Joslin. Commissioner Gunwoo Do views the MOU as an important and valuable starting point to navigate ways to attract Joslin into the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area. DGFEZ plans to closely collaborate with the Daegu Metropolitan City government and the Ministry of Health and Welfare to provide full support to Joslin.
About Joslin Diabetes Center
Joslin Diabetes Center, based in Boston, Massachusetts, undertakes diabetes research, clinical care, education and health and wellness programs on a global scale. Joslin is dedicated to ensuring that people with diabetes live long, healthy lives and offers real progress in preventing and curing diabetes. Joslin is an independent, nonprofit institution affiliated with Harvard Medical School, and is recognized worldwide for driving innovative solutions in diabetes prevention, research, education, and care.
Our mission is to prevent, treat and cure diabetes. Our vision is a world free of diabetes and its complications. For more information, visit www.joslin.org.
About DGFEZ DGFEZ, which stands for Daegu-Gyeongbuk Free Economic Zone, is a Free Economic Zone located in the southeastern part of South Korea. DGFEZ has 8 sites spanning over 20 square kilometers in Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongsangbukdo (Gyeongbuk) Province (Pohang, Gyeongsan, and Yeongcheon cities). As of January 2014, DGFEZ is home to 150 organizations attracting over $2 billion in investment ($350 FDI).
DGFEZ is mandated with attracting inbound foreign direct investment and supporting economic development of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area, a home to 5.5 million people. The city of Daegu is strategically promoting its healthcare industry, and DGFEZ is working with the Daegu City Hall to achieve the goal by helping global medical institute establish and operate in Daegu, Korea.
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