For Immediate Release: April 6, 2005
DBEDT Release News 05-10

Honolulu, Hawaii--The Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), in collaboration with the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce (HJCC), will conduct a special seminar on the Japan life science market on April 21, 2005, from 2:00-5:30 p.m. at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort.

"Hawaii has a tremendous potential to grow the life science industry, and we believe Japan could be a logical partner," said DBEDT Director Theodore E. Liu. "Hawaii has one of the highest concentrations of ethnic Japanese outside of Japan and a medical infrastructure that makes it an ideal location for ‘bridging trials’ for U.S. approved drugs."

The information presented will be particularly helpful to Hawaii companies interested in developing more connections with Japan. DBEDT is pleased to facilitate introductions for Hawaii companies and research organizations to meet with industry experts versed on the Japan life science market.

Speakers include Keizo Tsuchiya, Chief Executive Director, Japan External Trade Organization-Los Angeles; Dr. Richard Anthony, President and CEO, Catalyst Pharmaceutical Research LLC (A division of Catalyst Pharmaceutical Group, Inc.); and Dr. Hitoshi Tomizawa, Director of Executive Medical Services, Cedars-Sinai Medical Group.

DBEDT is pleased to welcome JETRO to Hawaii for this presentation. JETRO provides a wide-range of services, such as timely market intelligence, extensive business development support, and relevant business events, all designed to encourage new business between innovative American companies and Japan.

In addition to co-sponsoring the Japan Life Science Market seminar, DBEDT’s other life science industry activities in 2005 will include participation in BIO2005 in Philadelphia (June 19-22) and BioJapan in Yokohama (September 7-9).

To register for The Japan Life Science Market seminar, please visit www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/business/growth/life-sciences or email BIO2005@dbedt.hawaii.gov.

For more information, contact:
Dave Young
Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: dyoung@dbedt.hawaii.gov