Boston beckons for kiwi biotech firms

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Thirty five New Zealand biotech companies and organisations will be showcased at the international biotechnology conference Bio 2007 in Boston, Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard said today.

Held from 6 to 9 May, BIO is the largest gathering of biotech brains in the world and will see tens of thousands of visitors and delegates through its doors.

Some of New Zealand's brightest new thinking biotechnology companies and research organisations will attend BIO in a delegation co-ordinated and supported by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).

"New Zealand is ranked as one of the best countries in the world with which to do business. BIO presents a valuable opportunity to ensure this message is promoted to leading US and international biotech and pharmaceutical companies, researchers and investors," says Trevor Mallard.

"New Zealand biotechnology will contribute to better outcomes for health, the environment and for agricultural and energy production in the future. It is also a high growth sector with increasing importance to New Zealand's economic transformation.

"We have a long history of science and internationally recognised scientific expertise in a number of niche areas. BIO is an excellent opportunity to raise New Zealand's profile as an emerging and valuable player in the global biotech arena," says Trevor Mallard.

Trevor Mallard will present at two 'BIO Super sessions' while in Boston, with New Zealand one of the only countries asked by BIO organisers to present at the country session two years in succession.

New Zealand Pavilion

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) will host a pavilion at BIO 2007 (booth 1711, Boston Convention and Exhibition Centre).The pavilion will showcase a variety of New Zealand companies and research institutions working in areas such as plant and animal biotechnology, biofuels and industrial biotechnology, human medicine, biosecurity and traceability.

The pavilion includes a meeting area for networking and one-on-one meetings during the conference. NZTE has also worked with attendees to set up business matching meetings with potential investors and partners, and the pavilion includes private meeting rooms for the delegation to use.

Government support for BIO also includes providing a biotech-specific media relations resource, working before, during and after the event to secure media interest and interviews with key science publications such as Red Herring, and securing New Zealand presentation spots for companies on key BIO seminars.NZTE is running a workshop for attendees on the Friday before BIO, entitled 'Building capability in North America'.

This includes some media training and insight into the US media, as well as a chance to talk with some leading US biotech investors, company executives, and regulatory experts.

ENDS

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