Pacific Edge should be applauded for its international success and its ongoing commitment to Dunedin, Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie said yesterday.
The Dunedin-based biotechnology company announced yesterday it had signed a fourth agreement with a major United States health provider to help the commercial rollout of its bladder cancer test Cxbladder.
About a quarter of North American's population now has access to the inexpensive cancer-testing product.
Mr Christie said the contract signing was good for the company and he congratulated chief executive David Darling.
''But this is also good for the city for a host of reasons. This company is searching the world for new contracts, helping break down the 'tyranny of distance' image we have struggled with in the past.
''Pacific Edge is showing distance is not a factor, If you have the right technology, a good product and correct company structure, you can operate from Dunedin.''
Pacific Edge was one of several international companies which had chosen to base themselves in the city, Mr Christie said.
The Dunedin Economic Development Strategy identified technology was the way to attract and keep highly-qualified and paid jobs in the city.
That included agribusiness, biotechnology and information technology.
The chamber last week hosted trade mission heads from overseas who commented on how productive companies in Dunedin were compared with some in larger congested cities.
''Here, we can get to places quickly, we have the connectivity for overseas work and have the benefit of working in a time zone to allow work to be carried out and delivered on time.''
People had additional value in their lives by living in the South. That was true for New Zealand as a whole, compared with cities like Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur, Mr Christie said.
''Pacific Edge has shown a commitment to this city and for that, they should be congratulated,'' he said.
