BERLIN, July 13 -- The new German Alliance for Industrial Biotechnology is
making its first appearance. An initiative recently launched by Germany Trade
Invest, the network includes both research institutions and producers, namely
industrial biotechnology clusters and chemical parks, in addition to regional
investment agencies. The alliance aims to bolster Germany’s biotechnology
sector by creating new business opportunities across the entire value chain.
Members of the alliance will be presenting together at the Sixth Annual World
Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing from July 19-22 in
Montreal, Canada.

Germany’s biotechnology industry is the largest in Europe, posting annual
revenues of over EUR 2 billion. There are nearly 600 biotechnology companies
located in Germany. Within this industry, the industrial biotechnology sector
has shown rapid growth in recent years. From 2005 to 2007, the industry doubled
its revenue to EUR 50.4 million.

The German Alliance for Industrial Biotechnology brings together a number of
partners. The network is made up of chemical parks, biotechnology start-ups, and
scientific institutes from across Germany. Together, they initiate research and
development projects that strengthen both academic and market competitiveness. A
number of economic development agencies also contribute to the network, offering
business services for investors and local expertise.

Rolf O. Gohdes, Director of Chemicals and Healthcare at Germany Trade Invest,
stated: We believe the German Alliance for Industrial Biotechnology represents
an exceptional chance for biotechnology companies to grow and prosper. Germany
offers a number of unique business advantages. Our highly-skilled researchers
and cutting-edge innovation combine to make Germany one of the most attractive
locations for biotechnology in the world. Especially interesting are the
chemical parks, which are setting the curve for others worldwide.

Germany’s chemical parks provide a distinct business model for
biotechnology companies. With the necessary infrastructure in place, this model
creates a plug and play environment for companies, who can access all the
necessary raw materials and supplies, find potential suppliers and research
partners on site, and benefit from cost sharing.

Dr. Ralf Grote, Senior Manager of the German Cluster Biocatalysis2021, will be
discussing the potential of the German clusters of industrial biotechnology at
this year’s congress. In addition, Manfred Kircher, Chairman of the Board
of Cluster Industrial Biotechnology 2021 e.V. (CLIB2021) will present
international business solutions based on industrial biotechnology. Dr. Markus
Wolperdinger, Director of Industrial Biotechnology at InfraLeuna GmbH, will
highlight biorefinery as a case study, specifically the integration of bio-based
processes and renewable resources into an established fossil-based refinery
site.

Germany Trade Invest will have representatives on hand at stand number 1101 in
the exhibition hall of this year’s congress in Montreal.

Germany Trade Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion
agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign
companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market. It
provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter
foreign markets.

Eva Henkel eva.henkel@gtai.com Phone: +49-(0)30-200099-173 Fax:
+49-(0)30-200099-111

SOURCE: Germany Trade and Invest

Eva Henkel, eva.henkel@gtai.com, Phone: +49-(0)30-200099-173, Fax:
+49-(0)30-200099-111