A fire at an auto parts manufacturing facility in Daejeon, the Republic of Korea (ROK), has left 11 people dead, 69 injured and three missing, fire authorities said Saturday.
The blaze broke out at around 13:17 local time Friday when about 170 workers were inside the plant.
According to the authorities, the first victim was found in cardiac arrest on the second floor and was later pronounced dead, while nine others were discovered on the third floor.
Firefighters have been searching for the missing since entering the building late Friday night, after safety experts determined the structure was stable enough for rescue operations.
Auto parts factory fire in ROK leaves 11 killed, 69 injured
China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with global pharmaceutical leaders in Beijing for a high-level dialogue.
The meeting brought together policymakers and senior executives from multinational drugmakers including Novartis, AstraZeneca, Roche, Boehringer Ingelheim and Organon.
"The pharmaceutical industry is vital to human health, we welcome your views and suggestions on development in China,” Wang said while addressing participants at the high-level dialogue.
Drawing growing global attention, China is now one of the world’s fastest-evolving markets and is signaling openness by inviting deeper engagement from multinational companies already investing in the country, according to U.S. pharmaceutical officials.
"For the innovative pharmaceutical sector, China has become one of the world's largest and fastest evolving markets, playing an increasingly global role," said Stephen J. Ubl, president and chief executive officer of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
From cutting-edge biotech to large-scale manufacturing, global firms say China’s appeal lies in its unique combination of scale and capabilities.
"Key factors in this evolution include China's large patient population, scientific talent, clinical research capacity, and investments in science and healthcare," said Ubl.
China’s commerce minister meets global pharma leaders
