To facilitate access to these markets for Austrian and particular Viennese life science companies, the Vienna life science cluster organization LISAvienna offered a delegation visit from 26 -30 May 2013 in cooperation with the Wiener Wirtschaftskammer, the Außenwirtschaftsorganisation Österreich and the Office of Science and Technology (OST) in Bejing und Shanghai.
In South Korea the program focused on visits of large Biologics-producers such as Samsung Biologics or Celltrion as well as vaccine specialist Green Cross. At a B2B-Forum in Seoul, Austrian and South Korean companies were provided with the opportunity for further exchange. The delegation was particularly impressed by the excellent research and university system as well as the substantial investments into biologics production capacities. In South Korea the delegation of 13 members was hosted by Prof. Gi-Eun Kim betreut, Department of Biotechnology, Seokyeong Universityand member of Austrian Council for Research and Technology Development (RFTE) as well as the Austrian Commercial Counselor Michael Otter.
At the life science trade fair ChinaBIO in Beijing a common booth was organized by LISAvienna in order to provide Austrian life science companies a presentation platform for their products and technologies. A fast growing Chinese health care market provides a strong impulse for Chinese life companies to look for innovations in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical technology. The trade fair was complemented by a networking reception of the Austrian Commercial Counselor in Beijing Oskar Andesner. The delegation was accompanied by local experts Peter Schintelmeister (OST Beijing) and Stefan Kahl, (AC Shanghai).
In order to open further life science markets in Asia to Austrian companies, another life science delegation visit is planned in 2014.