A Nantong Egens Biotechnology Co employee displays COVID-19 test kits produced by the company, March 19. [Photo/VCG]

A new production center for COVID-19 test kits was established in the Nantong Free Trade Zone in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, on May 22.

The center is completely funded by Nantong Egens Biotechnology Co and costs 500 million yuan ($70.7 million) to build. It is expected to begin operating in October or November this year.

It is estimated to produce 1.5 million kits per day when working at full capacity. The products will be exported to countries throughout Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa.

According to Ou Weijun, chairman of Egens Biotechnology, the company started researching and developing test kits for COVID-19 as early as Jan 30 and obtained international CE certification (EU standard) in late February.

It was among the first companies in China to earn the certification and obtained national approval to export anti-epidemic supplies.

Its test kits have been sold to a variety of countries and regions, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Dubai, South Africa, and Ecuador.