The 5 Lakes Global International Economic Forum shifted into full gear today and Toledo, and a Chinese company has already announced a program to train Chinese doctors in Toledo.

Youbo Pharmaceutical Group, which is China's top pharmaceutical company, announced that it would create a training platform for Chinese doctors at the University of Toledo Medical Center, the former Medical College of Ohio. That announcement was made by Li Zhengou, the president of Youbo.

Mayor Mike Bell spoke to the group this morning and welcomed the visitors to Toledo. Other speakers included Dean Monske of the Regional Growth Partnership, Dr. Lloyd Jacobs, president of the University of Toledo, Mark Kvamme of JobsOhio, and Sun Wansong from China's ministry of commerce.

The Regional Growth Partnership is co-coordinating the conference with 5 Lakes Global Group Ltd., a consulting group headed by Simon Guo, a Chinese translator, deal broker, and Toledo-area resident who has repeatedly brought Chinese investors to the region.

The goal of the conference is to make Chinese investors aware of the investment opportunities available in the Toledo area.

Conference officials said about 160 foreign visitors and about the same number of Toledo-area business and education leaders are participating.

First Published September 25, 2012, 4:26 p.m.