A delegation from Shenzhen, China, attended a half-day session at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center on Oct. 12, meeting with officials from the Greater Omaha Chamber as well as medical center representatives and members of the Nebraska business community.
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Making the UNMC presentation were Jane Meza, Ph.D. (right), associate vice chancellor for global engagement at UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Kai Fu, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the UNMC Department of Pathology and Microbiology and director of the UNMC Office of International Relations & Patient Referrals. |
To kickoff the meeting, the Chinese group, known as Invest Shenzhen, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Greater Omaha Chamber to look into the possibility of collaborating in the future. Ultimately, if the two cities can reach a final agreement, Omaha could potentially become the site of Shenzhen’s office in the Midwest. Shenzhen currently has its North American offices in major cities on the east and west coasts.
“They like Omaha’s central location and its emphasis on technology and health care,” said Mark Norman, senior director of client services for the Chamber. “With all our connections in China and Asia, it makes a lot of sense.”
Norman said the Shenzhen group was especially excited to come to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
“Each major city in China has a cancer center,” Norman said. “Cancer is a real issue they want to address. They see the opportunity to partner with the Buffett Cancer Center as very exciting.”
Jane Meza, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for global engagement at UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, delivered the presentation for the medical center.
With Shenzhen’s emphasis on high technology and virtual and augmented reality, Dr. Meza said the medical center would hold a “lot of potential for collaboration.” UNMC has had a presence in China since 2004.
In its first year of operation, the Buffett Cancer Center has realized several milestones, she said. These include:
- A 16 percent increase in patients.
- 3,356 patients treated in the C.L. Werner Cancer Hospital.
- 12,701 outpatient clinic visits.
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert welcomed the delegation to Omaha.
“Omaha is a big city with a small city charm,” she said. “Omaha is a great city that is working to become an extraordinary city. Omaha has a special bond with the people of China.”
Stothert praised the Buffett Cancer Center for its “commitment to saving lives” and for the research and care it delivers that “impacts people for years to come.”
Another MOU was signed at the event that could potentially showcase the Nebraska beef industry in the international market. MX3 Ranch of Gibbon, Neb., and Bysun Global Management of Omaha, joined forces with Juneng Capital Co. Ltd. of Shenzhen and the Shenzhen Municipal Trade Association in a project that could lead to a continual supply of Nebraska beef being exported to China.
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts was originally scheduled to speak to the Shenzhen delegation, but the group’s flight out of New York City on Oct. 11 was cancelled, forcing them to stay in New York for an extra night and delaying their arrival in Omaha. With the delayed arrival, the governor had other commitments on his schedule and was unable to meet with them.