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NLIS 1
November 15, 2000
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

 

Province to host prominent international biotechnology conference

Industry, Trade and Technology Minister Sandra C. Kelly announced today that the prominent International Marine Biotechnology Conference (IMBC) will be held in Canada for the first time in 2005.

"I am extremely proud that Newfoundland and Labrador will host this prestigious international event in the marine biotechnology industry," said Minister Kelly. "It is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our province�s growing and dynamic marine biotechnology sector to the world."

Several weeks ago, a Canadian delegation, led by Minister Kelly, attended IMBC 2000 in Townsville, Australia, which had over 350 people from 35 countries in attendance. The delegation included representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador such as, Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Marine Institute, Seabright Corporation, Bio-East (the Newfoundland and Labrador biotechnology industry association), A/F Protein Canada Inc., and Nova Lipids Inc., British Columbia-based Roger Foxall and Associates, and Syndel Laboratories, as well as the National Research Council. During the conference, the delegation made a successful bid to host IMBC 2005 in St. John�s, despite strong international competition.

The biotechnology industry in Canada annually generates revenues of over $1.1 billion, and R and D spending exceeds $585 million. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the sector continues to develop, and the province is a world leader in the niche area of marine biotechnology. In 1999, Newfoundland and Labrador�s biotechnology industry had revenues of approximately $2 million and R and D spending exceeded $3.5 million.

"Hosting this conference is an important part of the strategic plan to develop the biotechnology industry in our province," said Dave King, chair of Bio-East. "While the sector in Newfoundland and Labrador is relatively small, it has strengths in many niche areas, and this conference is sure to open up a vast number of opportunities for local businesses."

IMBC is the only international conference to focus specifically on marine biotechnology. The next IMBC will be held in Vhiba, Japan in 2003. Originally held every three years, the conference will convert to a bi-annual format in 2005 due to increased interest and rapid growth in the marine biotechnology sector. Newfoundland and Labrador organizers anticipate that approximately 500 delegates from 35 countries, representing researchers from academia, private companies and agencies, will attend the event. The conference, which will include keynote speakers, plenary sessions and oral and poster presentations, will provide participants with an opportunity to network with international colleagues and to learn about the latest developments in marine biotechnology.

Media contact: Jacqueline Simon, Communications, (709) 729-0050.

Biotechnology Industry Fact Sheet
Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador

Canada:

  • Biotechnology is expanding four times faster than the economy�s average, making it one of the world�s fastest growing industries. In fact, global demand is expected to reach $50 billion by 2005.
  • The biotechnology industry has annual revenues of over $1.1 billion and R&D spending exceeds $585 million.
  • There are approximately 282 biotechnology companies in Canada; 72 per cent of these employ fewer than 50 people.
  • Total employment in the industry is approximately 10,000, and a 10 per cent annual growth rate is forecast.
  • Canada ranks second in the number of companies using biotechnology, as well as in number of employees and revenues generated.

Source: Industry Canada, Economic Profile of the Canadian Biotechnology Sector, March 31, 2000.

Newfoundland and Labrador:

  • In 1999, the provincial biotechnology industry had revenues of approximately $2 million, and R&D spending exceeded $3.5 million.
  • There are approximately 13 companies in the province, employing about 100 people. An additional 400 people are employed in academic R&D.
  • The biotechnology industry in Newfoundland and Labrador primarily focuses on marine biotechnology. In fact, the province is considered a world leader in the niche area of marine biotechnology.
  • There are also companies working in the area of human health, including diagnostic and genomics.
  • In 2000, Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) was named the headquarters for AquaNet, a $14.4 million research network in aquaculture and marine biotechnology research, which is part of the Canadian Network of Centres of Excellence.

Source: Bio-East, unpublished data, November 2000.

2000 11 15 3:15 p.m.


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