LAVAL, Nov. 1 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Biotechnology Innovation Centre (QBIC) today signed a framework agreement with BioBay - Suzhou Industrial Park, a science and industrial park in Shanghai. This agreement will allow both organizations to develop exchange projects and implement bio-incubator operating practices. Moreover, their respective companies will receive invaluable guidance in their international development efforts.

    In the past few years, the life sciences sector has enjoyed spectacular growth in a number of Asian countries where many companies and researchers have moved. According to QBIC Board Chairman Dr. Jacques Gagné, "it has become very important even for start-ups to quickly gain access to international scientific and commercial networks."

    During its third visit to QBIC, which took place this past summer, Suzhou Industrial Park had stated it planned to develop more concrete ties with the organization, notably within the framework of BioBay, a major nine-phase project that will ultimately provide Suzhou Industrial Park with substantial life science infrastructures. Phase 1 was launched in June and includes a business incubator similar to QBIC.

    Suzhou Industrial Park recently received approval from the Ministry of Science and Technology for its NanoBay project, which will become the largest nanotechnology cluster in China.

    About the Quebec Biotechnology Innovation Centre (QBIC)

    The Quebec Biotechnology Innovation Centre specializes in life sciences and is located in the heart of the City of Biotechnology and Human Health in Laval. Internationally renowned, QBIC won the Randall M. Whaley Incubator of the Year Award in 2002, the highest international honour bestowed on a business incubator in all categories. (www.cqib.org)

    About Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP)

    SIP was set up in 1994 as a joint project between the governments of the People's Republic of China and Singapore. By early 2007, SIP had already attracted over 2,714 foreign investments for a total value of more than $27 billion. Over 120,000 people work in the park, which is about as large as the City of Laval and is home to 66 Fortune 500 companies. (www.biobay.com.cn)

For further information: Normand de Montigny, Executive Director - QBIC, (450) 688-8377