By Kim Tae-gyu
Global experts and manufacturers in the biologics industry got together in Seoul Thursday to share strategic thinking and vision.
The Korea Biomedicine Industry Association (KoBia) held the Inter-Biopharm Alliance 2012 to commemorate its first anniversary with around 150 professionals from around the world attending.
``Based on the ongoing research and experience in Korea’s biologics industry, some pioneering companies have already entered the phase of commercialization and many others are getting close to commercial products,’’ KoBia President Kim Myung-hyun said in a welcoming message.
Many visionaries including leaders of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK) delivered speeches during the event highlighting success in the biologics industry.
In particular, EUCCK board member Juergen Koenig pointed out in his speech that biotechnology is the right target for Korea to aim for so that the county will be able to chalk up further growth down the road.
``Korea has looked for opportunities in global business and industry to find a new growth engine and the Korean government decided to provide ongoing promotion and support in biotechnology, starting from biosimilars, to transform the nation into a global market leader by 2020,’’ said Koenig, also CEO of top-tier chemical and pharmaceutical company Merck Korea.
``With strong support, the government has raised Korea from being the 14th largest biotech industry in 2006 to 12th in 2011 and is poised to hit its target of 7th-largest in the world.’’
In addition, he shared the experiences and expertise of Merck Korea in the bio-technology area. The company has a reputation as one of the most research-driven outfits in Korea.