BioAsia 2012 Hyderabad From 9 Feb

The 9th edition of BioAsia, the annual global bio business forum, is slated to begin on 9 February, at HICC, in Hyderabad.

The Federation Of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA) says that over 250 companies are likely to participate in the event. This year, country partners include Sri Lanka, Belgium, Germany and Korea.

In all, 35 countries have confirmed their participation, with most delegations coming from Sri Lanka, Korea, Iran, Germany, Belgium, Singapore, Egypt, Africa, Thailand and Nepal. Further, regulators from 10 countries will be participating in this event.

The organizers also said that the governments of Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have confirmed their participation.

This year, Bharat Biotech International Limited and GVK Biosciences will be the industry host and co-host, respectively.

"BioAsia provides a platform for companies to exhibit, launch and showcase their products and services," GVK Bio CEO Manni Kantipudi said.

He said that GVK Biosciences has been associated with BioAsia for the past several years, since the forum provides an opportunity for networking and forging new business relationships.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy will be the chief guest for the occasion. The guests of honor, Dr. J Geeta Reddy (Minister for Major Industries, Commerce and Export Promotion) and Prof. Tissa Vitarana (Senior Minister for Scientific Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka) are also attending, with Genome Valley Excellence awardees Dr. Seth Berkley (CEO, GAVI Alliance) and Dr. Kevin Ali (President, Emerging Markets, Merck & Co). (INN)