Chile: Successful participation in BIO 2009Published: June 18, 2009
Our delegation attended the world's most important biotechnology convention in order to promote Chile as Latin America's main market for biotechnology and biomedicine.
Composed of 8 companies and representatives from the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO), the Chilean delegation sought to promote the emerging development of the biotechnology industry. BIO 2009 took place in May in the city of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and involved over 14,000 participants and 70 exhibiting countries.
Our delegation's goal was to strengthen the position of Chile as the main Latin American market for biotechnology and biomedicine. CORFO, via InvestChile, promoted the national market in order to attract investment from the world's main economies.
The continued presence of a public-private Chilean delegation at this convention demonstrates the government's commitment to the sector and its belief that biotechnology is a key tool which adds value to our products and strengthens the Chilean economy.
"The continued effort of the public and private sectors to participate in BIO over five consecutive years shows Chile's commitment to the industry. This event plays a key role in the growth and promotion of Chilean biotechnology," explained Mario Castillo, CORFO's Head of Investment and Development.
During the four-day event, the Chilean mission - financed by CORFO'S InnovaChile program - was able to assess the latest developments in the area, as well as promote the opportunities and advantages that Chile has to offer. In order to foster networking during the convention, the delegation held a partnership meeting with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and the Swiss Biotech Association (SBA) to bring together around 100 business people from the three countries. The meeting was attended by the New Zealand ambassador, Roy Ferguson; the Honorary Consul for Chile in Atlanta, Sra. Erika M. Monckeberg; and the President of the SBA, Domenico Alexakis.
As part of the convention, the national delegation actively participated in the Business Forum. This involved business roundtables in which Chilean business people met with representatives from the main biotechnology companies in order to discuss their projects and explore alliances or joint business ventures.
It should be highlighted that the biotechnology industry is a priority area of growth for the Chilean economy. In Chile, over the last three years, the number of companies in the sector has increased by 30%. Currently, there are more than 200 companies and institutions in the country involved in biotechnology. These include specialised service companies, university research institutions, technology transfer organisations, and incubators. The prioritised niches of development are human health, agriculture and livestock, the fishing industry, forest engineering and industrial biotechnology.
A significant number of companies who previously attended the international BIO convention are currently negotiating joint venture or trade partnership agreements with important biotechnology companies and organisations. This is due to the ongoing cooperation between public and private entities, combined with the government's incentives to strengthen the sector.
Source: www.corfo.cl (with video)