BIO KOREA 2017 opened for a three-day run at Coex, Seoul, Wednesday, during which participants will exchange information and make business deals related to bio industry, organizers said.

The international convention is one of the most comprehensive events concerning biotechnology and healthcare areas held in Korea. Korea Health Industry Development Institute_{한국보건산업진흥원} (President Lee Young-chan_이영찬) and North Chungcheong Province are co-organizing the event, and about 25,000 people from 45 countries are participating in it.

Acting President Hwang Kyo-an (center) and other dignitaries cut ribbons to kick off BIO KOREA 2017 at Coex, southern Seoul, Wednesday.

In a congratulatory speech, Acting President Hwang Kyo-an said the government is making every effort to promote bio and health industry, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and medical devices, as a new growth engine.

“In particular, we are strengthening R&D investment, nurturing professional manpower, and providing tax support,” Hwang said. “The government will enhance our global competitiveness by expanding investments in advanced next-generation drugs and supporting the development of promising products. We will also proactively improve and streamline regulations that directly prevent investment and growth.”

Experts from a variety of business and government institutions made lectures on various topics, including biosimilar regulatory changes, technology innovation in genome editing, capital innovation, virtual biopharma, intellectual property and digital healthcare.

A separate business forum showcased advanced technology developed by hundreds of companies, allowing them to exchange information at partnering meetings, build strategic business relationships, and collaborate on multi-scale projects.

Around 300 companies and 20,000 visitors from all over the world also took part in the exhibition that serves as a platform for pharmaceutical and bio companies to promote their cutting-edge technologies and products in promotional booths.

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