Gov. Gregoire arrives in Hamburg, promotes Washington life sciences industry

For Immediate Release: June 23, 2011

Gov. Chris Gregoire continued her eight-day trade mission and arrived in Germany today, where she touted the state�s life sciences industry at an international summit.

�Washington state has been a global leader in life sciences,� Gregoire said. �We have some of the best researchers and organizations, developing some of the greatest advancements in the field. While our state has seen tremendous growth in this industry, we know there�s incredible possibility for further expansion. By expanding our life sciences industry � we are not only creating good jobs for Washingtonians, we are ultimately creating a healthier state and world.�

Gregoire and representatives from the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association attended Life Sciences Day, sponsored by BioRegioN, a life sciences cluster in Niedersachsen that includes approximately 100 companies and institutions. At the event, held at the International Neuroscience Institute, WBBA signed a memorandum of understanding with BioRegioN to strengthen collaboration between the two regions, and encourage new development in the biotechnological and biomedical fields.

�Life sciences in Washington is one of our state�s largest and fastest growing industries,� said Chris Rivera, President of the WBBA. �Our research community, industry and global health community are global thought leaders in many areas. This trip is helping to continue to grow Washington�s global life science collaborations.�

Gregoire and Rivera also met with executives from Sandoz International, a world leader in generic pharmaceuticals headquartered in Holzkirchen, Germany. Acknowledging that Washington state�s Medicaid program is, by percentage, the number one user of generic medicine in the nation, Sandoz would like to explore opportunities with Washington state to ensure health care remains affordable.

Across Washington state, 72 cities host life sciences and research companies � which directly creates 26,000 jobs linked to life sciences, and an additional 55,000 connected to the industry. A typical life sciences job pays twice the average salary in Washington state.

Gregoire has been leading a delegation of nearly 75 leaders in aerospace, life-sciences, automotive technology and green energy on a trade mission to promote Washington products and increase foreign investment in an effort to create new jobs in Washington state. She�ll conclude the trade mission tomorrow in Germany with a tour of the Airbus production facility in Hamburg and a meeting with Airbus executives to encourage the plane manufacturer to work with Washington aerospace supply companies. Gregoire tomorrow will also visit CFK Valley, Germany�s leading carbon fiber research center.

# # #