United under the conference theme “Biotech as the Next Growth Engine for Asia,” companies spanning Asia, Europe and the U.S. came together for four days of meetings, seminars, workshops, partnering meetings and an exhibition featuring over 600 companies.

President Tsai Ing-Wen participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of the four-day exhibition component of BIO Asia-Taiwan.

“Taiwan has long been internationally lauded for its achievements in healthcare,” President Tsai noted. “We are making contributions to the world and showing the world that Taiwan can help.” President Tsai further stated that Taiwan’s biomedical R&D capabilities and strengths in the ICT sector will help spur Taiwan into a major hub for biomedical research and development in the Asia-Pacific.

Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO, delivered Opening Ceremony remarks, where he expressed optimism for continued industry growth, both in Taiwan and globally. “I want to thank President Tsai for her leadership and determination to bring Taiwan fully into the global biotech community. We’re excited about the progress we can make as partners,” noted Greenwood. “I know we will forge many collaborations ahead for the betterment of the human race. Together we will fuel, feed and heal the world.”

Johnsee Lee, Chairman of the Taiwan Bio Industry Organization and Chair of the BIO Asia-Taiwan Organizing Committee, highlighted the importance of the biosciences industry for the Asian economies. “Asia accounts for 60 percent of the world population and is the most populous and the fastest growing region in the world. We believe biotechnology is not only essential to the health and well-being of the people but can also become the next growth engine for Asia,” according to Lee. “By partnering with BIO, we strive to make BIO Asia-Taiwan one of the best platforms for the biotech community in Asia.”

The BIO One-on-One PartneringTM system was deployed for the first time at this venue, offering attendees an easy to use platform to communicate directly with licensing and collaboration partners. More than 1700 partnering meetings were scheduled using the system, enabling participants to move efficiently from identification of prospective partners to discussion and negotiation.

BIO Asia-Taiwan 2019 featured over 1,700 booths, including an International Zone, where 18 countries and states had their own pavilions showcasing their best companies, products and services. These pavilions include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, and South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Thailand, Austria, Hong Kong, Germany, Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia, altogether hosting more than 100 foreign exhibitors.