The four-day exhibition, dubbed Asias largest biotechnology fair with 600 exhibitors, is expected to attract 90,000 visitors, who will see the latest in biopharmaceutical and new drug developments, diagnostics, medical devices and instruments.
The visitors will also have the chance to gain an understanding of the investment and legal frameworks of the industry in Taiwan, as well as the development of science parks and incubation centers, the organizers said.
The exhibition is being held jointly with the Taipei International Healthcare and Medical Cosmetology Expo at the Taipei World Trade Centers Nangang Exhibition Hall, which highlights cosmetics products, equipment and herbal supplements.
A day earlier, a two-day BioBusiness Asia Conference opened ahead of the exhibition, with industry experts sharing global trends in the sector.
Edgar G. Engleman, a founding member of the health care investment firm Vivo Capital, said during the Wednesday session of the conference that Taiwans strength lies in its medical care, but the country needs to improve in drug development, since often the first stage of clinical trials is conducted abroad.
David Flores, co-founder, president and CEO of the industry information provider BioCentury, suggested a relaxation of regulations on clinical trials, while stressing the need for the local capital market to become more open to global investment.
Flores, attending the conference for the third year, said there is growing competition among countries in their development of the biotechnology sector, and cross-border cooperation is key to pushing development forward.
Hsu Ming-chu, CEO of Taipei-based TaiGen Biotechnology Co., said the small size of Taiwans pharmaceutical market means that local companies need to more actively seek opportunities for overseas expansion.
The exhibitions are open for free to visitors, who can register online beforehand for speedier entry.
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