TEAM SASKATCHEWAN PROMOTES SYNCHROTRON AND LIFE SCIENCES IN EUROPE

Team Saskatchewan is in Cologne, Germany today promoting the province as an international hub for life sciences activity.

The delegation of private and public sector leaders is at the Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference (ABIC 2004), a leading life sciences forum. Earlier today at an ABIC 2004 press conference, Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline told international media about the province's official opening of the Canadian Light Source synchrotron and its success in developing Canada's largest ag biotech research and development cluster.

"Partnerships, including national and international companies, have contributed greatly to growth in Saskatchewan's ag biotech industry," Cline said. "Collaboration with the international community is essential to us, and through forums such as this, we are letting potential investors know more about Saskatchewan's business climate and our track record for innovation."

Saskatchewan is home to 30 per cent of the Canadian ag biotech community with over 700 scientists working in 30 private, public and academic facilities. Cline told media and conference delegates about great strides Saskatchewan is making in areas such as biological water quality control systems, greener fuels and fabrics, foods grown without chemical additives and vaccines for infectious diseases.

Ag-West Bio Inc. President and CEO Ashley O'Sullivan is a Team Saskatchewan participant. "We have exceptionally sophisticated infrastructure for advanced biotechnology research at the University of Saskatchewan campus, federal laboratories and companies and organizations situated at Innovation Place. This cluster provides exceptional opportunities for exchanging ideas," O'Sullivan said. "ABIC 2004 is a great opportunity to tell international players about Saskatchewan's dynamic research community and the province's thriving bio-economy."

Team Saskatchewan members attending ABIC 2004 include representatives from Ag-West Bio Inc., Foragen Inc., Performance Plants, McDougall Gauley, the University of Saskatchewan, the National Research Council, and the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA). Along with showcasing the province at the conference, Team Saskatchewan has also met with representatives from the European Union and will be discussing advances in nanotechnology.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jennifer Redston Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691