BIOTECanada and the BioIndustry Association (United Kingdom) Agree Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Cross-Atlantic Cooperation

28 June 2011 -- The BioIndustry Association (BIA) and BIOTECanada, industry associations representing the bioscience industries of the United Kingdom and Canada respectively, have agreed to work together to increase opportunities for companies. The two trade associations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the BIO 2011 Convention in Washington which aims to strengthen collaboration between the biotechnology sectors in the two nations. These two nations have a history of collaboration in many sectors. Recognising the biotechnology industry as an economic driver of our current and future economy, great benefits exist in a strategic partnership between the United Kingdom and Canada. Peter Brenders, President and CEO BIOTECanada, commented:

“Having the opportunity to develop a partnership with BIA will allow us to offer BIOTECanada member companies new business leads. We look forward to building this relationship, and watching how our member companies prosper from the arrangement in years to come.”

Nigel Gaymond, BIA Chief Executive, said:

“The BIA is delighted to have established this partnership with BIOTECanada and we look forward to working together with them in future. This collaboration recognises the significance of the Canadian biotech sector and its potential for partnerships between our members and BIOTECanada’s members.”

Together the associations will: promote cooperation in bioscience in areas of mutual interest, especially those relevant to economic development; promote exchange of views in supporting the formulation and application of bioscience policy by Government; and facilitate interaction between officials, scientists and technologists of Canada and the United Kingdom.

For further information, please contact

Robert Winder, BIA, 020 7630 2191; 07825 942 934; rwinder@bioindustry.org

Nadine Lunt, BIOTECanada, 613 793 6338; nadine.lunt@biotech.ca

BioIndustry Association

Established in 1989, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) exists to encourage and promote a financially sound and thriving bioscience sector within the UK economy and concentrates its efforts on emerging enterprise and the related interests of companies with whom such enterprise trades.

With over 250 members, the BIA supports a wide range of sectors, majoring on the human health benefits of the technology and represents the interests of these innovative companies to a broad section of stakeholders from patient groups to politicians, advancing its members interests both within the UK and internationally to create a healthy UK bioscience sector which benefits society. For further information, please go to: www.bioindustry.org

BIOTECanada

BIOTECanada is dedicated to the sustainable commercial development of biotechnology innovation in Canada. It is the national industry-funded association with over 250 member companies representing the broad spectrum of biotech constituents including emerging and established firms in the health, industrial, and agricultural sectors, as well as academic and research institutions and other related organizations.

The BIA events programme provides numerous opportunities for topical debate about emerging trends and key issues - plus excellent networking opportunities all year-round.

Up-Coming Events And Seminars:

BIA Summer Reception

-Networking and all that Jazz!

14 July – Dixie Queen, London. Click here for more information.

Talent Management Seminar

27 September, London.Click here for more information.

BIA Global BioLeadership Summit

6-7 October, Windsor. Contact Cathrine Smyth for more information