(Taiwan) Forum examining Taiwan's biotech industry and its role as a stepping-stone to Asia-Pacific to be held in Rockville, Maryland

(BiotechEast) 10 June, 2011 As a precursor to the increasingly international flavor and focus of the annual Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) convention, taking place this year in Washington DC, June 27-30, a forum will be held on June 26 in Rockville, Maryland, introducing Taiwan's burgeoning biotechnology industry and its increasingly important role both as a stepping stone into China and emerging Asia-Pacific markets, and as a prime location for research collaboration and industry-related services. And with the landmark Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) bilateral trade accord between Taiwan and China signed in 2010, new opportunities have been created that further cement's Taiwan standing as a gateway to China's biomedical community and its enormous market. With this agreement comes the prospect of regulation harmonization to simplify administrative work processes, cooperative ventures and other advantages that will accelerate the development of the biomedical industries of both Taiwan and China. The purpose of this forum, entitled 'The Biotech Business Potential of Taiwan as a Springboard to Asia-Pacific', is to discuss and examine how foreign companies can take advantage of this exciting new environment by expanding their presence in Taiwan. Organized by Taiwan's Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB), speakers at this important event include representatives from the government, academia, and the private sector on the Taiwan side, and will feature case study presentations and panel discussions from industry notables with first-hand experience of the advantages of an expanded Taiwan presence. The keynote speech, entitled 'Taiwan Biotech Strategies', will be given by Dr. Cyrus C.Y. Chu, Minister without Portfolio, The Executive Yuan, Taiwan.

Speaking on international collaboration opportunities, and challenges, with an improving China-Taiwan relationship are:

• Mr. Christopher Linthwaite, President, Bioproduction Business Platform, of Life Technologies, USA

• Dr. Chia-Lin Jeff Wang, President, Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB), Taiwan

• Dr. Yio-Wha Shau, General Director, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan

• Dr. Joe B. Harfard, Director, International Affairs Office, National Cancer Institute/National Institute of Health, USA

 

Speaking on the business potential of Taiwan as a springboard to Asia are:

• Dr. Johnsee Lee, Chairman, Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB); President, Taiwan Bio Industry Organization, Taiwan

• Dr. Benjamin Chien, Chairman, President and CEO, QPS Holdings, LLC, USA

• Dr. Ming-Chu Hsu, Founder, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board, TaiGen Biotechnology, Taiwan

• Dr. Whaijen Soo, Pharma/Biotech Management Consultant and R and D Venture Planning, USA

The forum will conclude with a networking session with the chance to meet speakers in a more informal setting, followed by a dinner for all forum participants.