NI biotechnology goes on show in Hong Kong

The first biotechnology trade mission from Northern Ireland to Hong Kong is underway.

The group visiting the former British Colony includes representatives from university research centres and several spin-out companies, as well as Northern Ireland companies involved in developing leading edge products for the healthcare industry.

Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, said: “Experts from Northern Ireland's pioneering life and health technologies industry are visiting Hong Kong from February 4 to 7 to stimulate new partnerships and business opportunities."

The Minister said: "The mission demonstrates the breadth of experience and knowledge which has made Northern Ireland one of the leading European biotechnology centres.

"It also indicates the close working relationship which exists in Northern Ireland between the universities, teaching hospitals and health technology companies, a partnership which underpins the region's leading-edge research.

"The members of this delegation have an international focus and are particularly keen to establish partnerships with Hong Kong business people, healthcare organisations and academic institutions for the two-way transfer of technology and know-how".

The trade mission to Hong Kong includes spin-out companies, such as Biocolor, an international leader in chemical testing kits, Gendel, a pioneer in drug delivery systems, and Sensor Technology and Devices, a specialist in the development of sensors using nanotechnology.

Northern Ireland based companies such as the US-owned Meridian Medical Technologies of Sydenham, Belfast and Amtec Medical from Antrim are also part of the group of companies. Both companies have recently developed products which are ripe for export. Meridian Medical is marketing its PRIME ECG system for the early diagnosis of cardiac conditions, which is being evaluated in hospitals in Europe and the US and Amtec Medical's innovative Venometer for pinpointing deep vein thrombosis is now being marketed worldwide by Smith and Nephew.

Another delegation member, Peptide Antibiotics is already working in collaboration with the University of Fuzhoi in China on the development of a new generation of drugs which can reduce high blood pressure, stop blood clotting and treat cancer tumours.

The delegation has been organised by Trade International Northern Ireland, the Industrial Development Board's export and trade arm.

It follows the biggest ever multi-sectoral trade mission from Northern Ireland to Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai last December. (SP)