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MANITOBA DELEGATION PROMOTING INNOVATION, WORLD-CLASS LIFE SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

SAN DIEGO-Jobs and the Economy Minister Theresa Oswald is leading a delegation here of more than 30 leaders from Manitoba's life sciences, information technology and interactive digital media sectors at the 2014 BIO International Convention. The delegation is showcasing the business and economic opportunities offered by the province's innovative, world-class life science and biotechnology sector.

"The BIO convention lets us show the world how inventive and competitive our province is," said Minister Oswald. "Team Manitoba is here to explore new business opportunities, partnerships and collaborations, and promote Manitoba as a destination of choice for life sciences and other knowledge-based industries."

Minister Oswald noted that Winnipeg was recently named one of the 'Top Seven Intelligent Communities' in the world by the Intelligent Communities Forum for its use of innovation and technology to strengthen Manitoba's business environment and quality of life. In KPMG's Competitive Alternatives Study, Winnipeg was named the most cost-competitive city for business in the North American Midwest and the single most cost-competitive location for biomedical research and development, clinical trials, pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical device development.

Manitoba is recognized internationally for its outstanding life science and biotechnology companies, research institutions and economic development organizations, as well as industry, research and development expertise in areas such as medical device development, functional foods and nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, the minister added. Economic Development Winnipeg lists Manitoba as the fifth largest biotech and health research cluster in Canada and Statistics Canada indicates Winnipeg has the highest concentration of life science professionals of any Canadian city.

"We've made significant achievements to date, but this is no time to rest on our laurels," said Minister Oswald. "By connecting with new clients, investors and partners from around the world, we're showing that Manitoba is open for business. Our efforts will help establish new markets and keep Manitoba competitive in the global knowledge economy."

Manitoba's life sciences industry employs nearly 8,000 professionals, generating approximately
$800 million in revenue and accounting for over seven per cent of provincial GDP, Minister Oswald said.
  

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