(FDA: Rockville, Maryland) -- In an effort to facilitate stronger cooperative relationships with its counterpart agencies around the world, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to establish eight full-time, permanent positions at U.S. diplomatic posts in the People’s Republic of China, pending authorization from the Chinese government.

The move is expected to enhance technical cooperation with foreign regulators and allow greater access for inspections and interactions with manufacturers. By placing FDA personnel in the country, it’s hoped that future products that are shipped to the United States will meet U.S. standards for safety and manufacturing quality.

"In an age when a border is not a barrier, the globalized economy demands nothing less than heightened regulatory interoperability, information exchange, and cooperation, especially on product quality and enforcement matters," says Murray M. Lumpkin, M.D., deputy commissioner for International and Special Programs at the FDA. "Along with the important memoranda of agreement signed with two FDA counterpart Chinese agencies, our efforts to fill permanent FDA positions in China are a significant step toward ensuring access to safe food, drugs, and medical devices in the global market."

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