COVID-19 vaccine in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, June 17, 2021. Photo:Xinhua

The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Wednesday that the four Chinese COVID-19 companies, which were involved in a vaccine export list, now are allowed to export COVID-19 vaccines independently to overseas countries in need.

Tao Lina, a Shanghai-based vaccine expert, told Global Times on Wednesday that MOFCOM's announcement can be seen as an official and positive regulation of China's vaccine exports, also noting that procedures for vaccine exports were also likely to be simplified. 

"In addition, individuals and organizations overseas may see the announcement and contact Chinese vaccine producers," said Tao.

Chinese government approved a list of COVID-19 vaccines for export on Tuesday in a bid to support the vaccine exports and support global cooperation against the pandemic.

The MOFCOM, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, National Health Commission and the National Medical Products Administration have issued a list of four types of domestically made vaccines to be exported, according to a statement on the website of the MOFCOM on Tuesday.

They are the vaccines from Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co, Sinovac Life Sciences Co, CanSino Biologics Inc and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co.

The list will be adjusted according to the approval and listing process of the National Medical Products Administration, read the statement.

Global Times