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Dozens of Countries Will Promote Biotech Opportunities at BIO 2004

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 1, 2004) — The world is coming to San Francisco June 6–9 for perhaps the largest biotechnology gathering ever, the BIO 2004 Annual International Convention. At least 59 countries will be represented among the 17,000+ attendees expected. The convention offers all attendees access to a daylong slate of international programming on Sunday, June 6, as well as an international exhibit floor featuring 1,375 displays.

"Biotechnology is a global enterprise, thanks to solutions that now touch the daily lives of millions in health care, the environment and agriculture," said Carl B. Feldbaum, president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). "Our convention fully reflects the international reach of this industry. On the exhibit floor alone, attendees will find representatives of regions from Alberta, Canada, to Zhongshan, China, all developing biotech corridors."

Of the 59 countries represented at BIO 2004, the largest delegations are from the Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Twenty-eight countries are sending official delegations, and the exhibit floor will feature 29 international pavilions.

So far, one-third of registrants are from countries outside the United States, up from one-fourth at last year's convention in Washington, D.C. China, Japan, and New Zealand are all sending significantly more representatives than in years past, in some cases doubling last year's numbers. The Latin American delegations have also grown in number for BIO 2004.

Like other convention attendees, those from abroad will be looking to conduct business. The International Biotechnology Marketplace on Sunday, June 6, will provide a showcase of biotechnology initiatives from around the world. Complete information can be found at http://www.bio.org/events/2004/intl/. BIO also has compiled information about biotechnology infrastructures from around the world. The report can be found at http://www.bio.org/events/2004/intl/.

Below are highlights of the Sunday, June 6, international program at the San Francisco Marriott:

Global Biotechnology Forum

Public Perception of Biosciences: The Key to Moving Forward


June 6, 2004, 9:00-11:30 a.m., Yerba Buena Ballroom, Salon 7

What goes on in the scientific world is often only understood in the scientific world, leaving the public with misconceptions about new technology. This forum will explore ways to educate the public about the science and benefits of biotechnology.

Co-chairs:
Mr. Eric Poincelet, Director General, BioVision
Mr. John Hodgson, Director, Critical I Ltd.

Speakers:
Mr. Djan Yagtug, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Serono International SA
Patrick Moore, Founder and CEO, Greenspirit
David McConnell, Trinity College, Dublin
Mr. Michael Oborne, Director, Multidisciplinary Issues, Global Life Sciences Forum, International Futures Program, OECD
Mr. Risaburo Nezu, Fujitsu Research Institute

Ministerial Seminar
12:00-1:30 p.m., Yerba Buena Ballroom, Salon 8

Attendees will learn about the latest policy developments abroad firsthand from federal-level ministers of science and technology, trade, and economics. Discussions will focus on strengths, challenges, recent initiatives to grow R&D and manufacturing, regulation and the climate for biotechnology product sales.

Speakers:
Mr. Gunther Winkler, Vice President, Strategic Operations, Biogen Idec, Inc.
Lord Sainsbury of Turville, Minister for Science and Innovation (U.K.)
The Hon. Ian Macfarlane MP, Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources (Australia)
The Hon. Georg Wilhelm Adamowitsch, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour (Germany)
His Excellency Suwit Khunkitti, Deputy Prime Minister (Thailand)
The Hon. Pete Hodgson, Minister of Research, Science and Technology (New Zealand)
Dr. Maharaj Krishan Bhan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology (India)

Country Seminars
1:30-5:30 p.m., Yerba Buena Ballroom, Salons 10-14

In-depth examinations of biotechnology developments in policy and business will be conducted in 50-minute country seminars. U.S. biotechnology executives are especially encouraged to attend these seminars for a comprehensive and substantive overview of opportunities overseas.

Countries presenting seminars are Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Countries in Attendance at BIO 2004

Algeria
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Ivory Coast
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Korea (South)
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Pakistan
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Singapore
Slovenia
Somalia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Uruguay

Complete information on the BIO 2004 Annual International Convention is available at www.bio.org. Registration is complimentary for credentialed news media; however, only reporters and editors working full-time or broadcast news organizations will be permitted to register on-site in San Francisco.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. For more information on BIO, visit our website at www.bio.org.

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