The third Asian Network Meeting was held via video link on April 14.

The representatives of national drug regulatory authorities of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Myanmar participated in the meeting to exchange experiences and progress in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and improving the availability of innovative drugs, and for in-depth communication on further collaboration. Chen Shifei, Deputy Commissioner of China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), attended the meeting and delivered a speech.

At the meeting, representatives of each regulatory authority introduced their measures, experiences and achievements in fighting the pandemic, including how they enhanced emergency response capabilities, reformed regulatory methods, improved accessibility of innovative products and promoted regional and national cooperation. Suggestions were also made on how to strengthen collaboration and communication.

Chen said that it is of great significance for Asian countries to share and exchange views and increase consensus on current regulatory issues of common concern. As a founding member of the Asian Regulatory Network Conference, the China NMPA will continue to contribute wisdom and strength to it. He said he hopes that all parties will continue strengthening cooperation and exchanges in drug regulation in Asia, work together to overcome COVID-19 and jointly build a global health community for all.

NMPA officials present at the meeting included those from the administration's Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation, Department of Drug Registration, Department of Drug Regulation, Center for Drug Evaluation and Center for Food and Drug Inspection.