(Taiwan) Taiwan biotech on display at BioTechnica 2005 :: BiotechEast - Taiwan and China biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, ^¤å½s×, ^¤å×§ï ::

(Press release, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA))

4 October, 2005
TAIPEI, Taiwan --/TAITRA/-- Taiwan companies are once again demonstrating innovation and industry leadership at the BioTechnica 2005 biotechnology industry trade show in Hannover, Germany.

Taiwan's biotech industry is one of the top industries, maintaining double-digit growth since the year 2000. In 2004, biotech production--covering the new emerging biotechnologies, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment sectors--grew 10 percent year-on-year to US$4.53 billion.

A Star Industry
In 2002, the government of Taiwan released its "Two Trillion, Twin Stars" plan and the "Challenge 2008--National Development Plan," which were designed to help the largest industries and industries with the most potential foster.

The biotech industry was deemed a "star industry," benefiting from a good infrastructure, a healthy R&D environment, and an excellent climate for investment. These factors have led the biotechnology industry to be targeted as one of the key industries to drive the economy.

The next economic engine
This year at BioTechnica 2005, the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Republic of China will be hosting a Taiwan Country Seminar panel discussion to introduce Taiwan's biotechnology industry and prospects to industry buyers and journalists.

The Seminar, entitled "Biotechnology Industry: The Next Economic Engine," will be held in the Conference Area Hall 2, Galarie, Saal Wien on October 18, 2005. The Seminar will start at 2:00PM and run until 6:00PM. The Seminar is jointly sponsored by the Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Industries Program Office, MOEA, and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).

Addressing the audience first will be Dr. Jhy-Wey Shih, Representative of the Taipeh Vertretung in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, who will provide the Opening Remarks.

Following Dr. Shih will be Dr. Ching-Chuan Yeh, Deputy Mayor of Taipei. Dr. Yeh will speak on the "Development of the Biotechnology Industry in Taipei."

Discussing the topic of "Forging the Future--Business Alliances with Taiwan" will be Mr. Walter Yeh, Executive Vice-President, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).

Next will be a brief on "Taiwan Biotechnology Industry: Current Status Analysis." The topic will be presented by Dr. Jui-Lien Huang, President, Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB), and Dr. Chei-Hsiang Chen, Director, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Program Office (BPIPO), Minstry of Economic Affairs.

After a short break, the panel discussion will resume with a talk on "The Opportunity and Challenge of the Bio-Medical Industry in Taiwan," given by Dr. Chung-Cheng Liu, Deputy General Director, Biomedical Engineering Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI).

Kwan-Hwa Chir, Manager, Division of Radiation Therapy & Oncology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, will speak on "The Miracle of Symbiotic Fermented Soybean Extract--Young."

The final presentation will come from Far East Bio-Tec Ltd. Mr. James Hsieh, Vice-President of Business Development, and Ms. Tiffany Hu, Director of R&D, will talk about "Recent Developments on Inhibition of Influenza Virus Research That Could Help Slow the Possible Global Influenza Pandemic."

After the final presentation, the floor will be open for twenty minutes of question and answer discussion.

Phenomenal pharmaceuticals
Taiwan's pharmaceuticals are growing at a fast pace, leading the rise in the biotech sector. In 2004, the production of pharmaceuticals generated value of USD 1.88 billion, according to statistics from the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Program Office, a division of Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The pharmaceuticals industry is continuing its fast ascent, as exports rose by 93.8 percent over the first six months of 2005, according to local research center Industrial Economics and Knowledge Center.

The biotech industry in Taiwan is mainly focused on delivering low cost medical solutions. The pharmaceuticals industry is concentrated on the production of generic medicines; the biotech industry on the new developing medicines field; and the medical device industry on adding value to existing and new products.

TaiGen Biotechnology, one of the leading Taiwan biotech firms, is working to develop pharmaceuticals for cancerous, infectious and inflammatory diseases.

TaiGen is applying shared molecular development tools to further knowledge of molecular disease targets, which can more effectively treat or stop the problems.

Taiwan companies will be presenting their best at BioTechnica 2005, as a mixture of top biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical equipment manufacturers will be in attendance. In addition, a Taiwan Country Seminar will offer a complete introspective analysis of Taiwan's star industry, providing deep insight into a soaring industry.

About the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)
TAITRA was founded in 1970 to promote Taiwan's foreign trade and competitiveness in world markets. Over the past 35 years, TAITRA has played a key role in the development of the Taiwan economy. TAITRA is jointly sponsored by the government and commercial associations and is viewed by all as the business gateway to Taiwan for the international business community. Please visit www.taiwantrade.org.tw or http://taiwaninnovalue.com for more information.

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