The Dutch Government is planning to lead a biotech delegation of 10-15 companies to India to explore opportunities in bio-pharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals, this year. In the proposed six-day visit, the delegation will meet various companies based in New Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad, Charlene Lambert of West-Holland Foreign Investment Agency, Netherlands, told Pharmabiz.

Indian and the Dutch Government are keen to establish tie-ups and collaborations in various fronts including bio-pharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals. A biotech delegation from Netherlands in the agriculture sector has also visited India during 2005, and this trend would continue in the coming years, she informed.

Netherlands is giving due emphasis on establishing biotechnology networks, besides supporting start-up companies in the segment. It has created many centres of excellence and necessary infrastructure to ensure the growth of this industry.

West-Holland is a major European region for life sciences. It combines numerous centres of academic and research excellence with innovative companies and other support facilities. With almost 70 life science companies and an estimated number of 6500 employees, the region has the highest concentration of life sciences activity in the Netherlands.

Academic and research institutes provide access to fundamental research and know-how. The West-Holland region has a dedicated life sciences park at Leiden that provides world-class facilities. The Dutch Government recognises the importance of the life sciences industry and creates initiatives to support and stimulate growth.

Life science companies that are located in the West-Holland region include Centocor Group, Crucell, Genencor, Octoplus, Toshiba Medical Systems, Delft Instruments etc.