Newfoundland and Labrador biotechnology companies head to Toronto for BIO 2002

Next week, Newfoundland and Labrador participants will be in Toronto for BIO 2002, an international biotechnology convention and trade exhibition. Bio-East, the Newfoundland and Labrador Bio Technology Network, in cooperation with The Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, has organized the Newfoundland and Labrador delegation.

MHA George Sweeney, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development for Information and Advanced Technologies, will join the Newfoundland and Labrador delegation.

"In government�s Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth, we made a commitment to capture strategic growth opportunities in knowledge-based industries like biotechnology," said Mr. Sweeney. "We are confident in Newfoundland and Labrador�s strengths and capabilities in the biotechnology sector and we are utilizing international events such as BIO 2002 to pursue these new growth opportunities."

"The Newfoundland and Labrador biotechnology industry continues to be a bright and growing sector in the provincial economy. Impressive growth, a wide range of capabilities and a stable workforce are complemented by a government committed to expanding the biotechnology base," said Dwayne Goudie, Managing Director of Bio-East. "Our presence at BIO 2002 will highlight our dynamic and vibrant biotechnology industry and showcase Newfoundland and Labrador as a welcoming environment for biotechnology research and investment."

The provincial delegation includes representatives from the federal and provincial governments, the Bio-East Industry Network, the Genesis Group Inc., the St. John�s Health Care Corporation�s Patient Research Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland�s Faculty of Medicine Research Marketing Office, and eight companies from St. John�s.

The companies are:

• NovaLipids,
• Aqua Bounty Canada,
• A/F Protein Limited,
• NewLab Clinical Research,
• Newfound Genomics,
• North Atlantic Biopharmaceutical Inc.,
• Media Touch Technologies, and
• Applied Preservation Technologies.

BIO 2002 International Biotechnology Convention & Exhibition expects registration to surpass 15,000. Participants will come from over 45 countries around the world.

The event will include more than 250 hours of sessions and symposia, featuring more than 800 industry leaders and a sold-out exhibit hall with more than 18,000 square metres of exhibits. The theme of BIO 2002 is Life Advances - La vie Avance.

Media contact:

Josephine Cheeseman, Communications, (709) 729-4570
Dwayne Goudie, M.Sc., MBA, Managing Director, Bio-East, (709) 737-2682

2002 06 07                              9:55 a.m.