An international forum on Biotechnology, with the theme of "Biochips, Nutraceuticals and Chiral Drugs," will be held in Hong Kong this month, the sponsors announced at a press conference Monday.

The one-day "2002 Hong Kong International Master Forum on Biotechnology," due on June 28, is sponsored by Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology, Hong Kong Biotechnology Association, Taiwan Business Association (HK) and Chinese newsweekly Yazhou Zhoukan and co-sponsored by Taiwan biochip maker and life sciences company Gene Master Life sciences.

The sponsors expressed their hopes that the forum will promote exchanges and collaboration among industry, government and academia in the region.

About 12 speakers from the United States, Britain, France, Taiwan and Hong Kong will be invited to share the fruits of their biotech research and marketing works.

The Secretary of Finance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government Antony Leung will also be invited to deliver a speech at the opening ceremony.

The sponsors said the Hong Kong government has the vision to develop biotechnology and Hong Kong's greatest advantage is its sound capital market.

(Xinhua News Agency June 18, 2002)