The nation is likely to see its first primate test center as early as the end of this year.

The envisioned center will be built at Seoul National University Hospital and is expected to conduct clinical experiments related to organ transplants.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said Tuesday that two-point-three billion won, or close to two-point-four million dollars has been injected into the project which is scheduled to be completed by next January.

The center will enable other universities, research institutes and firms interested in primate tests to take part in the center’s operations.