I am Kim Ok-yeon, chairwoman of the Korean Research-based Pharmaceutical Industry Association (KRPIA).

I congratulate the first publication of an English newspaper “Korea Biomedical Review (KBR).” Most of all, I am pleased because the release of KBR specializing in the healthcare area reflects the importance of this sector, which also include bio and pharmaceutical industries, has grown remarkably.

The healthcare field is at a critical juncture now. As you know, the bio and pharmaceutical industries, an important part at a time of the fourth industrial revolution, have emerged as a new growth engine. In step with the trend, Korean bio and pharmaceutical industries have put its focus not just on the domestic markets but global markets as well. Recently, the Korean bio and pharmaceutical industrialists have made outstanding achievements.

Global pharmaceuticals have also made efforts to promote the status of Korean bio and pharmaceutical industries in the world. Notably they have contributed to developing new drugs in strategic cooperation with Korean pharmaceuticals and will make joint efforts to enter global markets.

According to 2016 BCI Survey, the most important factor for investment in emerging countries is not the market size but politics and virtuous cycle for R&D. In other words, it is crucial to let global investors know the political changes in Korean bio and pharmaceutical sectors and healthcare field, as well as the accurate and fast provision of information and insight on R&D. Notably, global companies have been staging a fierce competition to enhance bio and pharmaceutical industries and taking various measures to receive investment. Under the circumstances, I hope KBR will provide a direction to make Korea an attractive market and spreads the nation’s advantages to the world.

I am sure KBR will play a leading role in boosting Korea’s image and status. I wish everything is going well with you in the future.

Thank you.

Kim Ok-yeon
Chairwoman
Korean Research-based Pharmaceutical Industry Association

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