DuBiotech partners with BioNet Asia Pacific to foster development

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of BIO International Convention held recently in Boston, in the US.

BioNet Asia Pacific, founded by Australia's Biotechnology Industry Organisation (AusBiotech), comprises 10 industry associations, representing the Asia Pacific region.

With this agreement, DuBiotech has joined the ranks of BioNet Asia Pacific member associations which include AusBiotech, ABLE, BioSingapore, Japan Bioindustry Association, Korean BioVenture Association, Malaysian Biotech Corporation, NZBio, Taiwan Bio Association and the Thai Society for Biotechnology.

Dr. Abdulqader Al Khayat, Executive Director, DuBiotech, said: "Industry linkages are crucial to the development of the biotechnology sector in the region. This agreement, with BioNet Asia Pacific, is part of our objectives to build durable partnerships with life sciences associations, regionally and globally."

Under the terms of the MoU, the BioNet Asia Pacific member associations will promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest, especially those relevant to economic and social development. The agreement also aims to facilitate information exchange and member support.

Dr. Al Khayat added: "The BIO International Convention provided the perfect platform for this agreement as it is the world's largest gathering of biotechnology leaders and key industry players. DuBiotech's presence in such key international events enables us to identify partnership opportunities with leading companies and organisations which can add true value to our biotechnology cluster."

As a direct outcome of the participation in BIO International Convention, DuBiotech expects to discuss additional cooperation opportunities with prospective business partners in the coming months.

The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park is dedicated to creating an advanced technical and community infrastructure to accelerate the growth of the life sciences industry in the Middle East. It will be the regional centre of excellence in biotechnology, bridging research, education and industry through national and international collaboration.

Globally, the biotechnology market is expected to be worth US$226.1 billion by the year 2010, according to leading US-based research firm RNCOS.

The 2007 BIO International Convention, organised by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), drew a record 22,366 attendees from 64 countries. The BIO Exhibition featured the largest gathering of biotech exhibitors in history, with more than 1,900 companies and 60 pavilions representing every aspect of the biotechnology industry.