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April 29, 2013
For immediate release

Atlantic Businesses Promote Biotechnology Expertise, Explore New Markets at International Event

Innovation PEI

A delegation of 19 companies and organizations from Atlantic Canada’s biotechnology industry is back home after showcasing their world class capabilities at the 2013 BIO International Convention in Chicago, Illinois.

More than 16,500 industry decision-makers were present for the event, which was held April 22 to 25. The bioscience conference is one of the largest business development and exhibition events of its kind in the world. While at the event, the Atlantic Canadian delegation gained new skills and shared best practices with global industry leaders at panel and information sessions, made contacts and promoted their capabilities at investor and partnering meetings, and attended skills-building workshops and networking receptions.

“The development of growing, vibrant industries like biotechnology will foster job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity, which are the priorities of our Government,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “By supporting the participation of Atlantic Canada’s biotechnology industry in high-profile global events like BIO International 2013, the Government of Canada is helping to strengthen an industry that holds great promise for the future. These events provide exceptional opportunities to showcase our industry’s expertise, raise its international profile and create alliances that will help transform ideas into innovations.”

Atlantic Canada is home to over 100 biotechnology companies and 25 research organizations, with over $300 million in annual private sector revenues. Biotechnological innovation has accelerated growth in a number of other key industries in the region, including marine sciences and health care.

“Prince Edward Island is home to an emerging bioscience sector, and we plan to grow it even more,” said Prince Edward Island Premier, the Honourable Robert Ghiz. “As Premier, I fully support participating in industry events such as these to further promote Prince Edward Island, and have discussions with leading global bioscience companies. As part of our mandate to increase provincial GDP and accelerate job growth, we identify bioscience as playing a key role in achieving our goals.”

The Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces invested $94,500 in the Atlantic delegation’s attendance at the event through the Canada-Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development (IBDA). The IBDA is a federal/provincial agreement between the Government of Canada (ACOA, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, and Industry Canada) and the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada. It is designed to help Atlantic Canadian businesses enter, explore and succeed in international markets. The IBDA is a key component of a pan-Atlantic effort to foster business relations, attract foreign investment and nurture technological co-operation.

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Media Contact: Rebecca Bruce
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